More linguistic jingoism on the way

Human chains to stop release of outside films
The Asian Age

Bangalore, Nov. 8: The newly-formed Karunada Sene which has declared its resolve to fight for the cause of Kannada, will protest the release of non-Kannada movies from November 12 by forming a human chain outside all threatres. This was decided in a public meeting held on Monday to announce the launch of the Karunada Sene.

Announcing the decision, Sene working president Sridhar said the time has come for Kannadigas to stand united against the onslaught of non-Kannadigas on all fronts including movies, culture, language and on the borders. “The time for delivering speeches is over and it is time for action. Let’s form a human chain outside all theatres where non-Kannada movies are being released on November 12 and appeal to movie goers to help the cause of Kannada,” he added.

Mr Sridhar, who is also the editor of a Kannada weekly tabloid Agni, however made it clear that volunteers of the Sene would not indulge in violence or resort to intimidatory tactics. “Our agitation will be peaceful. We will appeal to movie goers with folded hands not to go to theatres,” he added.

The Sene which claims to fight not only for the cause of Kannada but also for dalits, women and the weaker sections of society, passed a resolution urging the government to name Brigade Road after Basaveshwara, the 12th century social reformer and Commercial Street after Tippu Sultan, the great warrior.

The Sene also set the Bangalore City Corporation a deadline of November 25 to direct all advertisers to use Kannada boldly and prominently in their hoardings in the city.

Former chairman of the Kannada Development Authority and noted writer Baragur Ramachandrappa, who spoke on the occasion, said the movement for Kannada should not be confined to language but should encompass problems pertaining to labour, women, dalits, farmers, backward classes and the weaker sections of society.
In their speeches, noted cine actors Ambarish, who is also the Congress MP from Mandya, and Shivarajkumar, declared that they were ready for any sacrifice to safeguard Kannada language, culture and the interests of Kannadigas. Noted film director Rajendra Singh Babu and former MLA and Raitha Sangha leader Puttannaiah also spoke on the occasion.