Freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy on Monday hit out at the Kodagu district administration for clamping ban orders, under Section 144, at Diddahalli in Kodagu district, ahead of his visit to meet tribal families evicted from Devamachi Reserve Forest.
The ban orders had been imposed till February 15 at Diddahalli where Mr. Doreswamy was planning to hold a meeting.
The veteran freedom fighter was stopped by the police at Maldare when he was proceeding to Diddahalli to address the families. A.K. Subbaiah, senior advocate and former MLC, was with him.
According to reports reaching here, the police told Mr. Doreswamy that only ten people would be allowed with him as ban orders were in place at Diddahalli. Mr. Doreswamy then demanded that the people with him were allowed to visit Diddahalli, failing which he would hold a meeting at Maldare. When the police did not oblige, the freedom fighter held the meeting at Maldare where some tribal families were present.
Mr. Doreswamy sought to know the intention behind the ban orders and warned of flouting such a rule if clamped next time at the village. He also warned of holding an agitation with tribal families if such ‘unnecessary’ measures were taken in future. He demanded that Diddahalli tribal families be allotted land within village limits and said he would discuss the matter with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah soon.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the district administration, he questioned the cause for delay in allotting sites to the displaced tribals when the government had already taken measures in this connection. He said the tribal families could not be deprived of land because somebody was opposing the move.
The district administration had identified three places for allotting land to the tribals but they were demanding alternative land at Diddahalli.
