K’taka govt warns protestors it will confiscate their properties

Emulating the example set by Uttar Pradesh government, Karnataka today threatened to confiscate properties of those who caused damage to public properties during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Revenue Minister R Ashoka told reporters here on Thursday "...the way in which Uttar Pradesh government has decided to confiscate the properties of those indulging in violence - if such things (violence) happen again (here), it will be brought in Karnataka also."

Few days ago, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had warned that properties of those involved in the violence would be seized and auctioned to compensate destruction of public and private assets during the protests over the amended citizenship law. Karnataka plans to implement this 'Yogi law' in letter and spirit. Backing Ashoke, Karnataka BJP General Secretary and Member of Parliament Shobha Karandlaje urged the state government to identify those who caused damaged to public property during the protests in the state and make them pay for it. "They should not be let away, no one has the right to destroy public property... anyone can protest, but if they cause damage to public property, government should make sure that they pay for it," she added.

Anti-CAA protests had turned violent in Mangaluru, resulting in the death of two in police firing. Days later, the Mangaluru police had released videos and photos of those who had indulged in violence and destruction of public and private properties. Now, the hunt for these persons has begun.

Meanwhile, defending the CAA, Ashoka said, India was not a charitable lodging place and everyone has to abide by law of the land. "The Act (CAA) that has been brought in, is right .... India is not a charitable lodging place for those from Pakistan and Bangladesh to come and stay here, there are laws and rules here and one has to abide by it," he said.