HUBBALLI: Despite CM Kumaraswamy’s assurance to address the issues faced by north Karnataka region, Uttara Karnataka Rait Sangh (UKRS) has made it clear that there is no question of withdrawing bandh of 13 districts, scheduled to be observed on August 2.It has also announced that North Karnataka is already separated mentally and the only administrative proceeding is pending.Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Basavaraj Karigar, state president, UKRS, said that some leaders are changing their stand and differing with bandh after consultation meeting with CM Kumaraswamy. “North Karnataka people have given about 62 years to all governments to rectify the injustice. Now, CM Kumaraswamy has hurt our sentiments and we will not move back from our demand. Hundreds of Swamijis, activists, farmers and commoners will gather at Suvarna Vidhan Soudha in Belagavi,” he asserted.Nagesh Golashetti, state general secretary, UKRS, said that Kumaraswamy did not offer 'bagina’ to River Krishna in Almatti. 'As he is CM of South Karnataka, he can continue with the development of his state’ he added.He further said, “As of now, 24 organisations have extended their support to the bandh and many more will join us by Thursday. Bandh will be observed from 6am to 6pm. We have collected opinion of about 65 lakh citizens of 13 districts in the region and 91% of them are in favour of separate statehood for North Karnataka”.Navachetana Shadakshari Swamiji of Rajavidyashrama, Siddharoodh Math in Hubballi, said that though north Karnataka has all resources in its limits, it can be developed only if it is ruled by the people of north Karnataka. 'We can achieve development by making good use of natural resources . People of this region may be innocent but they could turn vibrant in all sectors if their potential is used properly’ he opined.Gurunath Shastri, Shivabasava Mahaswamiji of Hanamanalli, UKRS office bearers Somashekhar Barigundi, Virupakshappa Kallimani, Shrishail Pasar, Sangayya Muchkhandi and others were present on the occasion

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