Black flag protest against SIR in Mysuru

Members of various civil society organisations staged a silent ‘black flag’ protest against the ‘“anti-people” SIR process at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mysuru on Tuesday.

The protestors wearing black armbands staged a dharna in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office for about two hours.

The protestors, who also included representatives from Samvadana Rakshana Pade from H. D. Kote taluk, submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka through the Deputy Commissioner.

The black flag demonstration was to condemn the “lack of response” from the Chief Electoral Officer to address the demands of the civil society to democratise the SIR process.

“In a democratic system, it is the duty of every public institution to answer public questions. We condemn your violation of basic duties and your anti-constitutional stance,” said a statement issued by the organisers.

The protestors welcomed the political will displayed by the State Congress government and thanked Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for issuing orders to facilitate the provision of residential certificates and for ordering the verification of all voter lists at the Gram Panchayat level.

The protestors also welcomed the stance taken by former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against SIR, as well as his warning to Congress workers to remain cautious, engaged, and vigilant regarding the SIR process.

President of PUCL, Mysuru, Kamal Gopinath, All India Progressive Women’s Association representative Rathi Rao, besides other activists including Prof. Kalachannegowda were also present.