'Tipu Jayanti should be held as per govt's direction'

Take measures to organise Tipu Jayanti peacefully in the district on November 10, District In-charge Minister Sa Ra Mahesh told officials.

He was presiding over a meeting held to discuss the security measures taken up by the district administration and police ahead of Tipu Jayanti celebrations here, on Wednesday.

"The state government has been observing various jayantis. Tipu Jayanti should be observed in a peaceful manner."

He told reporters, after chairing the meeting, "The district administration has taken all precautionary measures to ensure a peaceful celebration of Tipu Jayanti."

He appealed to the members of various organisations to co-operate with the state government in this regard. The district administration will initiate stern action against those who try to disturb peace in Kodagu, he added.

He said that there was a lot of opposition to Tipu Jayanti. But Tipu Jayanti should be organised as per the government's direction, he added.

IGP (Southern range) Sharathchandra said, "The police will strengthen security to maintain law and order in the district. Peace meetings were convened in all the police station jurisdictions in the district."

An additional 1,500 police personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order in the district.

In addition, a rapid response team will also be deployed. The police are on high alert at the check-posts, he warned.

MLC Veena Acchaiah, CMC president Kaveramma Somanna, DC P I Sreevidya, SP Suman D Pennekar and others were present in the meeting.