Belgaum : The Central Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti has warned of a protest demonstration outside the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s residence within the next 15 days, accusing the Maharashtra government of showing complete apathy towards the long-pending border dispute issue.
The decision was taken during an important meeting held at Maratha Mandir in Belgaum, where members resolved to intensify the agitation against the injustice faced by Marathi-speaking people in the border areas and the increasing provocations by Kannada organisations.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Samiti president Prakash Margale said detailed discussions were held regarding the ongoing Supreme Court hearing, the future course of agitation and the growing linguistic tensions in the border region.
The meeting also discussed preparations for the Hutatma Din programme scheduled on June 1. Condemning the deliberate attempts to create linguistic conflicts in the border areas, the Samiti decided to organise a massive protest march to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Meetings of all constituent committees will be held before May 30 to finalise the date of the agitation.
Strong displeasure was expressed over the Maharashtra government’s inaction despite the border dispute reaching a crucial stage. Leaders pointed out that neither the expert committee nor the high-level committee had met in the last two years. They also criticised the Maharashtra Chief Minister for not giving time to meet border area representatives, leading to the decision to stage a protest outside the CM’s residence.
Referring to the Linguistic Minorities Commission report, the Samiti stated that since Marathi-speaking people constitute over 20 percent of Belgaum’s population, all government circulars should be issued in Marathi as well. The meeting resolved to pressure the Maharashtra government to raise the issue in the upcoming Parliament session and ensure justice for Marathi-speaking people in the border areas.
Prakash Margale alleged that the Karnataka government was encouraging Kannada organisations to target Marathi-speaking residents in the border region. He warned that if such provocations continued even after submitting a memorandum to the district administration, the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti would launch a stronger agitation in its own way.
During the meeting, several workers also questioned why the Samiti remained silent while Kannada organisations were allegedly preparing to pass anti-border dispute resolutions in the corporation.
Former Mayor Malojirao Ashtekar clarified that before launching any agitation, discussions would first be held with party workers and constituent committees, as their opinion was crucial for the success of any movement.
The meeting was attended by Prakash Margale, former MLA Manohar Kinekar, city committee working president Ranjit Chavan-Patil, general secretary Malojirao Ashtekar, Khanapur committee leader Gopalrao Patil, Amar Yellurkar, Laxman Hongekar, B.D. Mohangekar, R.C. Modagekar, M.G. Patil, M.B. Gurav, Laxman Patil, Ajit Patil and several office-bearers and activists.
