Haveri tahsildar declares Siddappa Circle sensitive, bans protests for 6 months

Haveri: Haveri Tahsildar Sharanamma Khari has declared Hosamani Siddappa Circle a sensitive area, prohibiting protests and unlawful gatherings to ensure smooth traffic flow. Activists have opposed the move. The order, issued on Sept 23, bans protests at the prominent location for six months.

Protesters condemned the decision as an anti-democratic move, demanding its immediate withdrawal and warning of further protests if the order is not revoked. Hosamani Siddappa Circle, an iconic spot on NH-48 connecting to Sirsi, is regularly used by ambulances. Protests have previously blocked traffic for hours at the site.

Following a report submitted by the Haveri Town police inspector, the tahsildar declared the spot a protest-free zone. The order was issued under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Act.

Two farmers were killed at the circle by police firing on Oct 10, 2008, during a protest seeking sufficient fertilisers. A memorial for these farmers has been installed at the circle. Many organisations have opposed the order, arguing that the circle houses a memorial for the martyred farmers and that imposing restrictions is an attempt to suppress dissent. Activists stated, "We are not afraid and will demonstrate at the same location soon."

S Basavaraj, SFI district president, criticised the ban at a circle named after a freedom fighter, calling it an anti-democratic policy. "Denying the right to protest is authoritarian, and protests are necessary for addressing public grievances," he said. He urged the tahsildar to withdraw the order, warning of further protests otherwise.

Ramanna Kencheller, president of the Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangha and Hasiru Sene district unit, expressed outrage, highlighting that the circle is a memorial site for two farmers martyred in a 2008 protest for seeds and fertilisers. "This is the only spot to draw attention from the govt, but the taluk administration is trying to restrict our right by issuing such orders. The restriction is an anti-farmer move, and farmers will not be intimidated. We will protest at the circle if the ban is enforced," Kencheller warned.