Karnataka: Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary took an ugly turn on Tuesday after a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activist DS Kuttappa was allegedly killed while several others injured during series of clashes across Karnataka.
Clashes erupted after supporters of right wing groups protested against the government's decision to celebrate Tipu Sultan Jayanti on Tuesday. Several groups had turned violent during the protests and threw stones at each other. Situation worsens following the killing of Kuttappa in Madikeri. He was a well known personality in the town and was allegedly hacked to death when one of the groups identified him as a VHP leader.
Reacting over the incidents, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, "There is no evidence that Tipu Sultan used to convert people. If he was against Hindus, he wouldn't have protected all of us. He protected many known temples across Karnataka. He was the best patriot and loved his land".
"One should not forget that he mortgaged his children to British when he had to pay fin to protect his land. Today, Karnataka is number one in silk production because of Tipu. People should recognize his good work", he said.
A large contingent of police force deployed in the trouble torn areas and state home minister Dr. G Parameshwar is personally monitoring the situation.
Speaking to the CNN-IBN, Parameshwar said, "It is unfortunate that one person has died. Some people are trying to polarise people in the society. When the government has decided to celebrate Tipu Sultan's birthday then they should corporate. They are doing a hate politics and I would like to appeal the protestors to maintain law and order situation in the state. We have consciously taken a decision and request the communal forces to co-operate with us. We will not tolerate this".
Holding the state government responsible for the violent clashes across Karnataka, Pratap Simha BJP MP in Mysore termed Tipu Sultan as 'tyrant'. "He was the tyrant of Mysore. Situation is tensed and the administration has failed to ensure peace," he added.
BJP's Karnataka unit President Prahlad Joshi said, "It is unfortunate that the Karnataka government is celebrating the birth anniversary of a controversial person, as a state-sponsored programme."
Later in a statement issued by the state DGP, Om Prakash it was clarified that the VHP leader was died after falling from a fifteen feet high compound wall of a hospital and not because of stone pelting.
Film director Girish Karnad said, "It's a democracy and protest is good. The state government should name Bengaluru International Airport (BIAL) as Tipu Sultan airport instead of Kempegowda. His name is more suited as he was a freedom fighter. If he was a Hindu he would have been more respected in our state just like how Shivaji is respected in Maharashtra".
Controversy started after the Congress government in the state had decided to celebrate the birth centenary of the 18th century ruler who died fighting against the British.
The move has been opposed by the Sangh Parivar, who said the ruler was "intolerant" who persecuted Hindus and converted people to Islam. The decision has led to an unrest and various Hindu groups threatened to agitate against the decision.
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