Yahya Hallare
Daijiworld Media Network - Bhatkal
Bhatkal, Sep 14: Tension prevailed here on Thursday September 14 as people protested against the town council's move to hold open auction of shops within its limits. A brother of one of the shop owners even attempted suicide when officials came forward to seize the shops for auction.
Ramachandra Nagappa Naika (26), a resident of Asarakeri tried to immolate himself. He sustained 50 percent burns and has been hospitalised in Manipal.
Ramachandra's brother Eshwar who rushed to his rescue also suffered burns on his hands.
As soon as the news of self-immolation spread, shop owners and public gathered in large numbers and staged a flash protest by blocking the road.
Govind Naika, Krishna Naika Asarakeri, Sunil B Naika, Eshwar Naika and other BJP and Sangh Parivar leaders and activists also assembled at the spot and lent support to the protest.
The protestors said that though the high court had ordered the demolition of a few buildings in Bhatkal, the officials have done nothing, and are instead targetting the poor in the name of high court order. "This is injustice and absolute dictatorship," they said.
"We will not budge till the deputy commissioners comes and explains this move," they said.
After this, the protestors started pelting stones at the town municipal council office. They smashed window panes and broke the doors. They even broke the shutters of the front door with a heavy stone.
The protestors also burnt tures at Samshuddin circle and raised slogans.
As situation worsened, shops in the town closed down their shutters.
On the instructions of Bhatkal assistant commissioner Manjunath, education officer Venkatesh declared holiday for all schools as a precautionary measure.
Deputy commissioner Nakul, SP Vinayak Patil, ASP Gopal Byakod and others rushed to the spot and tried to pacify the protestors.
"The officials in Bhatkal are enforcing the law only the poor. There are several illegal buildings whose demolition the high court has ordered, but the officials are silent on that. We cannot tolerate such discrimination," the protestors said.
In response DC Nakul said, "The auction process was over a year ago. In accordance with the law, we have given enough time for people to claim their rights. There is nothing we can do about it now. If, as you say, there is order by the high court to demolish rest of the buildings, show it to us and we will take necessary action."
Speaking to reporters, Nakul said, "We will look into the untoward incidents of Thursday and take measures to ensure that law and order is not disturbed. The situation is under control."