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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has sought protection for the Tamils residing in Karnataka.
She referred to the 'indecent' attack on M Bhaktavatsalam, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam legislator representing the Kolar constituency in the Karnataka assembly. He was beaten up outside the Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore.
"The attackers cannot be ignored as unidentified persons. The barbaric act has been perpetuated by Kannada chauvinists, who have been extending and expanding their hold over Karnataka's culture and politics," she said.
The chief minister referred to the Cauvery dispute involving the two states, and said, the 'Cauvery cover' is often being used as an excuse for such attacks on the local Tamil population in Karnataka.
In contrast, she said, the Kannadigas in Tamil Nadu are 'leading a fearless and peaceful life'.
"If an MLA has faced such attacks, what would be the fate of ordinary Tamil minorities living in the state," she said. "It is the immediate duty of the Karnataka government to ensure the safety and security of the local Tamil population, and remove the sense of fear and apprehension from their minds."
Also Read: More reports from Karnataka More reports from Tamil Nadu
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