Violence Erupts During Panchamasali Lingayat Quota Protest in Karnataka, Multiple Injuries Reported
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Belagavi, Dec 10 (NationPress) The Panchmasali Lingayats community's protest escalated into chaos when a crowd started throwing stones at police and attempted to surround the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi.
Authorities intervened, halting thousands of demonstrators on their approach to the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, warning them against proceeding any further. The protestors retaliated by launching stones and footwear at law enforcement, prompting the police to initiate a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
Reports indicate that at least 10 individuals sustained injuries during this clash. An official confirmation regarding injuries was still pending.
One protestor reportedly fell ill amid the upheaval, and several police officers were also injured during the fracas, as per sources.
As police commenced their lathi charge, demonstrators fled in various directions, leading to the Bengaluru-Pune National Highway being blocked for several hours, creating significant disruption for commuters and the public.
Earlier, BJP State President and MLA B. Y. Vijayendra visited the protest site and met with Jagadguru Sri Basava Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji, who is spearheading the movement. Vijayendra expressed his full support for the Panchamasali protests in Belagavi.
Notable figures present included Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly Aravind Bellad, former BJP minister C.C. Patil, and MLA Basavaraj Mattimadu, along with senior leaders Sharanu Salagar and Shailendra Beldale.
Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa attended the protest on behalf of CM Siddaramaiah and accepted their memorandum.
Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peeth seer Basavaraj Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swami had earlier warned of plans to besiege the Karnataka Assembly with 5,000 tractors if their demands for reservation for Panchamasali Lingayats were not met. He expressed dissatisfaction over Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's lack of response.
The seer accused community leaders of being 'threatened' by the Congress government in Karnataka to stifle the reservation movement. He warned that if the situation deteriorated, it could lead to a 'blood revolution' in the state.
Nonetheless, he agreed to conduct a peaceful demonstration later.
In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the Supreme Court’s directive and the previous government’s affidavit concerning Panchamasali 2A reservation would be presented in the state Assembly.
"The Panchamasali community has long sought inclusion under the 2A category. Upon taking office, I met their leaders, including Jayamrutyunjaya Swamiji, twice and assured them of my backing. However, the matter requires a report from the State's Permanent Backward Classes Commission," the CM explained.
