Mangalore, 07 Aug 2013: In the backdrop of increasing number of cattle thefts, members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have demand that farmers be issued gun licensces.
VHP regional president MB Puranik told reporters that all farmers, who rear cattle in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, should be allowed to use guns to protect themselves and their cattle. "The government should set up a special task force to check instances of theft and illegal transportation of cattle effectively. Grama Gorakshadala, village-level committees involving farmers, should be set up in each village," he said and demanded that those who transport cattle illegally be punished severely.
He also urged the government to give a compensation of Rs 50,000 to those who lost their cattle in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district.
VHP district working president Jagadish Shenava said that police should act tough against cattle thieves to preserve harmony in the region. "Those who steal cows should be arrested and action should be taken against them to prevent untoward incidents in the region. We will hold a meeting to discuss about the future course of action," he added.
Farmers, who joined VHP - Bajrang Dal leaders, sought the compensation not from the government, but from the miscreants who stole their cattle.
Farmers Vidyadhar Hegde from Muchoor, Antony D’Souza, Jeppinamogaru, Mahadevi of Muchoor, Ramakrishna from Uchila and others demanded adequate compensation for their loss.