Karnataka Minister Urges Dialogue with Maharashtra Counterpart Amid Bus Targeting Controversy
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Synopsis
In light of recent attacks on KSRTC buses in Maharashtra, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has ordered the department secretary to discuss the situation with his Maharashtra counterpart. The incidents have raised concerns over public safety and language use in border areas.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy addresses bus targeting in Maharashtra.
- Instructions given to engage the Maharashtra transport secretary.
- Incidents stem from language disputes between passengers and conductors.
- Protests have erupted in response to the assaults on bus conductors.
- Karnataka Police have increased security in sensitive areas.
Bengaluru, Feb 24 (NationPress) In response to the targeting of KSRTC buses in Maharashtra, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy stated on Monday that he has directed the department secretary to engage with his counterpart regarding the situation.
While addressing the media in Bengaluru, Minister Reddy mentioned, “In Chitradurga, a bus from Maharashtra was painted black by Kannada activists following an incident where a conductor in Belagavi was assaulted for urging passengers to converse in Kannada. In retaliation, four to five of our buses were also painted black in Maharashtra.”
“I have instructed our department secretary to communicate with his Maharashtra counterpart. Thousands of commuters travel daily between Karnataka and Maharashtra, and such incidents are creating difficulties for the public. The police will take necessary action on this matter. I had earlier directed my secretary to tackle the issue promptly,” Reddy said.
Detailing the incident further, Minister Reddy elaborated, “The initial confrontation involved a conductor and two passengers. The passengers were not familiar with Kannada, and our conductor did not understand Marathi. The conductor questioned why a male passenger was using a free ticket designated for women. At that time, there were 90 passengers aboard the bus. The questioned passenger then made calls and rallied a crowd, which led to the conductor being assaulted.”
“A police report has been filed, and the accused are now in judicial custody. However, a day later, a POCSO case was lodged against the conductor,” the Minister added.
Tension arose in the border district of Belagavi last Saturday after the assault on the RTC bus conductor for requesting passengers to speak in Kannada.
Protests were held by Kannada organizations who blocked the Belagavi-Bagalkot road, demanding police action against the attackers of the bus conductor.
The assault occurred on Friday in Belagavi district.
In response to the situation, Minister Ramalinga Reddy earlier remarked that residents of Karnataka should learn Kannada. He noted that while individuals may converse in their mother tongue, Marathi, they should also communicate in Kannada while in Karnataka.
“Every party needs to denounce such occurrences,” he commented.
Given the sensitivity surrounding this issue and prior violent incidents related to the language dispute in the area, the Karnataka Police have heightened security in critical regions.
