News & Pics: Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Sep 13: Agitation over release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu have caught on everywhere. The main reason for this was the attack on Karnataka registered vehicles in Tamil Nadu. The video of the Kundapur origin vehicle driver Manjunatha Kulal that went viral on the internet provoked many Kannadigas.

The 38-year-old Manjunatha Kulal had been on a pilgrimage to Rameshwaram and other temples in Tamil Nadu with 12 others including his parents and neighbours, by a Tempo Traveller belonging to his friend Arsi Korval of Koni.

They went there on September 9 and were planning a return after a week's stay at the pilgrimage. The group that went to Rameshwaram on Sunday via Kanyakumari and Trivandrum considered  going to Madhurai on Monday, but that did not happen.

Some members belonging to Tamil origin, the Naam Thamilar Iyakkam group, attacked vehicles having Karnataka number plates, as well as the occupants on a whim. They also circulated the video over the internet.

Manjunath sustained an ear injury in the assault. There was use of sticks and bare-arms in the said attack.

Manjunath and 12 people in the group were held up; of which, Manjunath and his family consisting of his father Sheena Kulal, mother Giriamma, Amasebailu resident Vitala Shetty and wife and daughter were freed.

After the incident, Manjunath complained to Tamil Nadu police and was placed in police protection. Manjunatha, his parents and others in the group stayed in a lodge. They reached Vernakulam in Tamil Nadu at four in the morning on Tuesday with some help from an acquaintance of Manjunatha.

Manjunatha has said that they were to arrive to Kundapur later by train.

He further said, “A Tamil group consisting of 10 to 12 people holding sticks hit the vehicles with Karnataka number plates at about seven in the morning on Monday. They damaged vehicles, wind shields and head lights with sticks. His friend, the Tempo Traveller owner is providing moral support.”

“I am staying in Ramanatha Pura at present. Eight Karnataka vehicles including two Karnataka buses are being protected here. Tamil Nadu Police have assured to accompany us to the Karnataka border,” he said.

“Those who damaged the vehicle and assaulted me ordered me to say that Cauvery belongs to Tamil Nadu. However I refused to say that,” he added.