Karnataka wants PM to end all border disputes

Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday urged Centre to resolve all inter-state border disputes in the country amicably.

"Even after 59 years of independence, Indian states are still embroiled in boundary disputes. It is imperative for the Centre to put an end to all border disputes in the country," he said in his address on the eve of the Independence Day celebrations.

Kumaraswamy pointed out that many states were raising issues relating to border disputes. Maharashtra has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking the inclusion of Belgaum district and three other taluks in its territory. Similarly, Karnataka has been vociferous in its demand for inclusion of Kasargod (which is in Kerala) in the state.

"As far as Karnataka is concerned, the boundary dispute with Maharashtra is a closed chapter. We are in favour of the Mahajan Commission report, which rightfully said that Belgaum belongs to Karnataka. Kannadigas and Marathas share a cordial relationship in Belgaum district," he added.

Kumaraswamy said that the government will hold the World Kannada Meet in Belgaum as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the state formation. Also, Kannada bhavans will be built in border towns of Bijapur, Chamarajanagar, Kolar, Dakshina Kannada besides Belgaum this year, he stated.