Belagavi: Karnataka Ministers on Sunday made a strong appeal to citizens to maintain peace and harmony in the region, as tensions over the long-standing Karnataka-Maharashtra border dispute resurfaced. The renewed discord has been triggered by a recent language-related controversy, escalating concerns of unrest between the Kannada and Marathi-speaking communities.
In light of these developments, the state government has urged people from both Karnataka and Maharashtra to remain calm and vigilant against miscreants attempting to fuel the dispute further. The call for peace comes after a violent incident in which a bus driver and conductor were allegedly assaulted in Belagavi for not speaking in Marathi. The incident has reignited the historical disagreement between the two states over the linguistic and territorial claims of Belagavi and surrounding areas.
Karnataka’s Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, H K Patil, addressed the media, strongly condemning any attempts to disturb the peaceful coexistence of Kannada and Marathi-speaking communities. He emphasized that both communities have lived together harmoniously for generations and that no external elements should be allowed to incite hostility between them.
“Kannadigas and Marathis have always coexisted peacefully in Belagavi. There is no reason for unnecessary provocation. I appeal to the people to refrain from inciting tensions and to prevent miscreants from disturbing communal harmony,” Patil said. He further assured the public that the government is fully committed to resolving the issue through appropriate legal and administrative measures and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible for creating unrest.
Meanwhile, State Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa echoed similar sentiments, urging citizens from both states to remember their shared national identity and prioritize unity over regional differences. He stressed that disputes like these should not overshadow the fundamental truth that all individuals, regardless of linguistic or regional background, are first and foremost Indians.
“This situation is truly unfortunate. We should never forget that we are all Indians before anything else. We must avoid unnecessary provocation and work towards peaceful coexistence,” Mahadevappa stated, emphasizing that the issue has been legally settled for decades and should not be reignited for political or ideological motives.
The border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra dates back several decades, with Maharashtra repeatedly laying claim to Belagavi and surrounding areas, citing a sizable Marathi-speaking population in the region. Karnataka, on the other hand, has firmly asserted its jurisdiction over Belagavi, pointing to historical, legal, and administrative rulings that affirm its territorial boundaries.
While the issue has seen intermittent flare-ups over the years, the recent incident involving the alleged assault of a Karnataka bus driver and conductor at Marihal in Belagavi has once again brought the dispute to the forefront. The duo was reportedly attacked for not conversing in Marathi, an act that has been widely condemned by both Karnataka’s political leadership and various civil society grow.
Following the incident, authorities in Karnataka have heightened security measures in sensitive areas to prevent further clashes. The state government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring law and order while simultaneously working toward long-term solutions to avoid such conflicts in the future.
H K Patil assured the public that the Karnataka government is taking the matter seriously and will not tolerate any attempts to disturb public peace. “We will take all necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Our administration is closely monitoring the situation, and anyone found instigating violence will face strict legal consequences,” he stated.
Ministers and local leaders have collectively appealed to both Kannada and Marathi-speaking residents to refrain from reacting to provocations and instead engage in constructive dialogue. They urged citizens to trust the judicial and governmental processes in place to handle such disputes, rather than resorting to confrontations that could disrupt everyday life.
“It is essential that we do not let divisive elements take advantage of the situation. Any disagreements should be addressed through legal and diplomatic means rather than aggression. People of Karnataka and Maharashtra share deep cultural and economic ties, and that relationship should be preserved,” Mahadevappa add.s
As tensions simmer in Belagavi, the Karnataka government remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding peace and unity in the region. The ministers’ calls for restraint and mutual respect serve as a reminder that while historical disputes may persist, the ultimate goal should always be peaceful coexistence.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that no further violence erupts. Meanwhile, political and community leaders from both states are being encouraged to engage in constructive discussions to prevent the border issue from becoming a flashpoint for further unrest. The government has assured citizens that proactive steps are being taken to maintain stability, and it remains dedicated to addressing any grievances through lawful channels.