Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)
Bengaluru, Apr 5: The closure of Karnataka-Kerala national highway by the state government is making waves since a week. Responding to a letter by former Prime Minister H D Devegowda in this regard, chief minister B S Yediyurappa has said, "The peace and contentment of people of Karnataka is more important to me than humanitarian concern for people of Kasargod."
The state borders with Kerala have been closed at Talapady on the outskirts of Mangaluru to curb the spread of coronavirus pandemic. Due to this, four people of Kerala have died as they could not cross the border to take the patients to hospitals in Mangaluru. In addition, a heavily pregnant lady gave birth to her baby in the ambulance itself as it was not allowed to enter into Mangaluru city. Kasargod has the highest number of coronavirus cases in Kerala.
Former CM Siddaramaiah had asked the state BJP government led by Yediyurappa to open the border on humanitarian grounds. Former PM H D Deve Gowda also appealed the same with the state BJP government in a letter.
Replying to Deve Gowda's letter, Yediyurappa said, "Kasargod is one of the districts with the highest number of coronavirus cases in the country. Indian Medical Council and other health related organizations have asked to close the borders and cut off such areas. Keeping these things in mind, the state government has closed the border with Kerala.
"I also feel for the health of brothers and sisters of Kerala. However, if I take a decision based on emotions, it will threaten the peace and contentment of people of our state," he said.
Light lamps to ward off coronavirus, exhorts Yediyurappa
Reminding of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa exhorted the people of the state to turn off electric bulbs and light lamps on Sunday at 9 pm for 9 minutes.
"I appeal to the people across the state to turn off lights and lit oil lamps or wax candles outside their home tonight (Sunday) at 9pm for 9 minutes, as advised by Modi, to defeat the virus and banish darkness," said Yediyurappa in a statement here.
In a 9-minute video message on April 3, Modi urged the people across the country to switch off lights and light lamps or candles at 9 pm on Sunday for 9 minutes outside their house to dispel darkness and show solidarity in the fight against the scourge of Covid-19.
"If the people do not have oil lamps or candles at home, they can flash torchlight or switch on flashlight on their smart phones to dispel darkness. The cohesive lighting will offer a new light to the world," Yediyurappa had earlier tweeted.
State Health Minister B R Sriramulu and Education minister S Suresh Kumar joined Yediyurappa in urging the citizens to participate.
With Inputs from IANS