Shikaripura (Karnataka): Stones were hurled at the residence of former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa by protesting Banjara community members who are opposing the state government's decision to recommend the Centre to implement AJ Sadashiva panel commission's report on internal reservation among SCs.
The protesters also tried to picket Yediyurappa's residence. However, the police brought the situation under control by resorting to lathicharge to disperse the agitators.
Superintendent of Police GK Mithun Kumar also visited the town and took stock of the situation.
The angry protesters torched posters of Yediyurappa and Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai's portraits. A policeman was injured during the violence.
The protestors later agitated in front of the town panchayat office.
The protesting Banjaras are asking the state government to scrap Justice AJ Sadashiva Commission report recommending proportional representation to sub-castes among Scheduled Castes.
They termed this attempt by the government as unscientific and a ploy to divide SC community.
Meanwhile, BJP leader S Prakash said strict action will be taken against those who pelted stones at Yediyurappa's residence. "Any kind of violence will not be tolerated by our government. Action will be taken against culprits," he said.
The solution can only be arrived at via dialogue, he said. "Let the Banjara leaders approach us and have a dialogue. Our government is open to solving problems," he said. (UNI)
