'Will Not Allow Any Activity That Is Against Law', Says Karnataka CM Bommai On Arms Training In Madikeri Dist

Arms Training To 100 Participants In Madikeri: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has stated that his government will not allow anything which happens illegally

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai.

New Delhi: After the Popular Front of India (PFI) has lodged a complaint against air gun training to more than 100 participants during a week-long training camp held recently in Karnataka's Madikeri district, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday said, "We will not allow any activity that is against the law." 

Ibrahim, a member of PFI, has lodged a complaint and demanded a probe into the matter. The complaint mentioned that air guns were used in the camp held at the school grounds in Ponnampet town. The police have initiated a probe into the matter and sought a report from the Education Department on whether the school grounds could be used for such an event.

The issue has stirred controversy in the state and resulted in a political slugfest between the ruling BJP and opposition parties. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has stated that his government will not allow anything which happens illegally.

We will not allow any activity that is against the law: Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai on alleged arms training in Kodagu pic.twitter.com/pxycqAyyvx

— ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2022

Responding to the allegations, National General Secretary and BJP MLA CT Ravi claimed that the camp was a part of a self-defence course. They were not trained in using AK-47s and bombs. Every year, the Bajrang Dal trains its activists for self-defence.

Sri Ram Sena Founder Pramod Muthalik also defended the camp saying there is nothing wrong in giving training for self-defense.

The training camp was organised from May 5 to 11. The participants took part in a procession in the Ponnampet town on May 10. Bajrang Dal maintained that it had not violated law and the Arms Act. Air guns and tridents do not come under the act. However, police stated that they are looking into the issue of use of air guns in the open.

Karnataka Congress has demanded the arrest of Bajrang Dal leaders for giving arms training to young students in the school premises in the Madikeri district.

Opposition party leader Siddaramaiah had stated that "by giving arms training in Madikeri to young members, Bajrang Dal has challenged the law of our land. Do we have a Home minister or Education minister in Karnataka? Is the government still alive?" Siddaramaiah questioned.

"MLAs MP Appachu, KG Bopaiah and Suja Kushalappa participated in the Shaurya Prashikshana Varga event of Bajrang Dal. Do they have any commitment towards our Constitution?" he asked.

Arms training is against the law and the Home Minister should file a case against the leaders of Bajrang Dal and arrest them, he demanded. Education minister B.C Nagesh should take action against the school authorities for allowing Bajrang Dal to organise illegal activities, he demanded.

(With IANS inputs)