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Karnataka govt braces up as bandh begins

Fakir Chand in Bangalore

The Karnataka government has deployed about 10,000 security personnel throughout the state to maintain law and order as fans of Kannada film icon Dr Rajakumar began a Karnataka bandh on Thursday.

The thespian's three sons said that they would do their utmost to see that the bandh passes off peacefully.

About 3,000 security personnel, including the Rapid Action Force, have taken up positions in Bangalore. These include eight companies of the Central Reserve Police Force and 155 platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police. The authorities have also deployed hundreds of policemen and home guards.

The bandh call has been given by the actor's fans, family members and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to express solidarity with Dr Rajakumar who is being held captive by forest brigand Veerappan along with three others in the Satyamangalam forests.

Rajakumar Fans' Association president S R Govindu said on Wednesday the bandh was to draw the attention of the Centre to the crisis, which has entered the 59th day. "The Centre should treat it as a national problem and do whatever possible to bail out Dr Rajakumar," he said.

State Home Minister Mallikarjun Kharge told the media on Wednesday that the government had made elaborate arrangements in conformity with the orders of the Karnataka high court and observations by the Supreme Court early this month.

"The high court has directed the organisers not to enforce the bandh forcibly. At the same time, the government has been instructed to take appropriate measures to maintain law and order throughout the state," he added.

Kharge said preventive arrests were made. Already, about 1,400 known trouble-makers have been rounded up in two months.

State Director General of Police C Dinakar told rediff.com that the police have declared old Mysore - comprising the districts of Bangalore, Mandya, Mysore, and Chamrajnagar - highly sensitive.

"We have also categorised some cities and towns in other parts of the state falling under Malnad as well as the northern region, such as Shimoga, Davangere, Hubli-Dharwad and Gulbarga, as trouble-prone areas," Dinakar claimed.

Kharge also conveyed the appeal of Chief Minister S M Krishna to the Rajakumar Fans' Association and KFCC to call off the bandh.

Kharge played the five-minute audio cassette containing Dr Rajakumar's message. The latest cassette was rushed to Bangalore by journalist-emissary R Raja Gopal through an aide. A copy was delivered to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi in Madras.

In his message, Dr Rajakumar said, "As you all aware, the 10-day Dassera festival begins on September 28 with special functions being held in Mysore with the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari. We all know how significant and auspicious the occasion is as it is the main festival for all of us."

"You should do nothing that will bring disrepute to me and inconvenience the public. If you all have any value and respect for me, and concern for my life, please ensure that the bandh is observed peacefully without causing any law and order problem," he appealed

Responding to this message, his sons Shivaraj, Raghavendra and Puneet have said that they would abide by his appeal and do nothing to bring a bad name to the family. Their message was broadcast by the Bangalore station of All India Radio every two to three hours on Wednesday.

"We will ensure that peace throughout the state and that law and order is not disturbed at any cost while observing the bandh on Thursday. The day will pass off smoothly as per your wishes."

Parvathamma also conveyed a message to Dr Rajakumar through AIR.

ALSO SEE
'You who let Tamil blood flow like water!'

The Rajakumar Abduction: complete coverage
The saga of Veerappan

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