COMMUNITIES SEEK BACKWARD TAG;

Half a dozen communities in the district yesterday sought the tag of backward community before the commission.

This submission was made in front of the chairman of the Karnataka state backward classes commission at Madikeri.

The community heads preferred better positions, which would benefit them. About six communities including Kodavas and Gowdas wished the BC tag. They stated poverty and underdevelopment and unique cultural backgrounds as the reason for their demand. Kadagu Nair community, Savita community, Padarthy, Bunts and others also placed their demands.

The commission headed by its Chairman Mr.Siddagangaiah included secretary Mr.A.L.Ramesh,members Mr.U.Bhupathy and Mr.S.B.Aneesh.

LAKSHMI PARVATHY TO COME;

Wife of late Mr.N.T.Ram Rao and president of the TDP, Mrs.Lakshmi Parvathy will visit Kodagu on December 13.

Observer of Kerala and Uttar Karnatak, Mr.B.Dasharath Rai of Congress informed that MP Mr.Deba Prasadh Biswas would also accompany her. The purpose of her visit is not specified.

PEOPLE TO PROTEST BAD ROAD CONDITION;

Different organizations at Virajpet have served an ultimatum to the PWD to repair the dilapidated Makutta road by December 10th.

In a memorandum submitted to the engineer at Virajpet, the protestors stated that a sixteen kilometer stretch of Makutta road is unmotorable.

They stated that about 1.8 crore was spent on the road through NABARD only to increase the plight. They alleged that the department has even failed to initiate action against the contractor, who has signed guaranty.

WAKF CHAIRMAN DIES ON STAGE;

District Wakf Chairman and vice president of the district congress committee, Mr.K.K.Ahmad Haji died on the stage today in the presence of state Wakf and Animal Husbandry Minister Mr.Mirajuddin Patel.

Mr.Mirajuddin arrived at Kodagu to inaugurate a Masjid at Arekad village. He was received by the leaders including the deceased in the afternoon at Siddapur. The minister was taken in a procession till Panchayath office. Mr.Ahmad Haji sat with the minister in the Panchayath hall on the dais. As the welcome speech began, Haji collapsed due to massive heart attack. Confusion prevailed in the hall and Haji was shifted to the hospital where the doctors declared him dead.

The meeting at the Panchayath was cancelled and the minister went ahead with his programme and inaugurated the Masjidh at Arekad.

The body would be cremated tomorrow at his native.