KDA asks President to intervene in border row

Bengaluru

 Following the assault on KSRTC employee Mahadeva Hukkeri by miscreants from Maharashtra, tensions have escalated between Karnataka and Maharashtra, leading to renewed language-related disputes. In light of this situation, President Droupadi Murmu has been urged to appoint a special officer to address the language conflict between the two states, as proposed by Purushottam Bilimale, the chairman of the Kannada Development Authority.

The letter, addressing the resurgence of the Karnataka-Maharashtra border dispute, highlights that although both state governments have been actively engaged in mitigating tensions, there are underlying issues that persist. It notes that there has been significant violence, loss of property, and profound impacts on the administrative systems on both sides of the border. Consequently, it emphasizes the importance of a central government role in accordance with constitutional provisions during this critical time.

The letter suggests that the President should appoint a special officer dedicated to addressing the issues faced by linguistic minorities. The responsibilities of this special officer would include investigating all matters related to the protections afforded to linguistic minorities and reporting back to the President during intervals as directed. Moreover, the President is urged to ensure that such reports are presented before both houses of Parliament and sent to the respective state governments.

Additionally, it requests that the central government promptly appoint a special officer to examine all issues faced by the people living in border regions. This officer would then provide recommendations to deliver a lasting resolution to the disputes, thereby enabling peaceful coexistence for the ordinary citizens on both sides, as emphasized in the letter.