From: P.T. Bopanna, Author and journalist, Kodagu
To: Shri Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister, Govt. of Karnataka
Dear Chief Minister,
I urge your kind self to intervene immediately to resolve the issue involving a dispute between two indigenous communities in Kodagu, arising out of a dress code introduced by the management of the Mrithyunjaya temple at Kattemadu in Madikeri taluk of Kodagu district.
The incident occurred on December 27 when over 20 Kodava community members, including women, were prevented from entering the temple wearing traditional dress by individuals, said to belong to Arebasha Gowda community.
What was a minor dispute involving a few of persons was exploited by fringe elements from both communities to create a law and order issue.
I am of the view, the Kodagu district administration failed in sorting out the issue expeditiously, thereby allowing the matter to snowball into a major law and order problem.
The head priest of the Kattemadu temple was brutally attacked on January 27. It was the handiwork of miscreants to create a rift between the communities.
The district administration erred in giving permission to the Arebashe Gowda community to hold a procession in Madikeri town.
The members of various Kodava organisations have begun a protest march on February 2 from Kutta town. They plan to hold a meeting at Madikeri on February 7, in what amounts to be a “show of strength”.
When it was known that only fringe elements were involved in mobilising crowds from both sides, the district administration should not have allowed permission for protest march.
Since ordinary folks from both communities are not supporting the protest march/meeting as is evident from social media posts, I request you to convene a meeting of leaders of both communities and local legislators to find an amicable solution. The indigenous communities have co-existed peacefully in the past. Vested interests should not be allowed to vitiate the atmosphere for selfish ends.
Kind regards,
Bopanna