No big issue, why apologize?: Kumaraswamy on 'shoot mercilessly' remark
Embroiled in a row over his "shoot mercilessly" remarks, Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy today rejected the Opposition demand for an apology over his comments, saying he is an "emotional person". Kumaraswamy found himself in a raging controversy yesterday after a video of his telephonic instruction to "shoot mercilessly" those who had killed a JDS worker in the party's stronghold of Mandya district went viral.
Any human being will react like that, clarifies Kumaraswamy
As the controversy refused to die down despite his clarification, Kumaraswamy said, "It's not a big issue..it is a human tendency...in that sort of a situation, any human being will react like that." "I have already clarified it, that is why I changed the word also," he said. JDS worker Prakash was hacked to death allegedly by four men in Maddur town Monday evening.
The issue is over according to me: Kumaraswamy
Claiming that he is an "emotional" person, Kumaraswamy told reporters, "Even if a single citizen is in trouble, I'll involve myself...that issue is over according to me, that is why I said smoke them out instead of encounter...that is my final word." Kumaraswamy should apologize to the people, demanded the state BJP President and Leader of Opposition in the assembly B S Yeddyurappa.
Human rights activist has filed petition over Kumaraswamy's remark
Questioning BJP-leaders about an incident where two farmers were allegedly shot dead by police during Yeddyurappa's tenure as chief minister at Haveri in north Karnataka, Kumaraswamy asked, "Was it not a big issue?" To a question about the demand for an apology, he snapped back, "Why should I apologize?" Meanwhile, a human rights activist has petitioned the State Human Rights Commission over the remarks.
Issue notice seeking explanation from Kumaraswamy: Petitioner to HR Commission
The petitioner, T Narasimha Murthy, termed the chief minister's remarks as a "clear violation" of human rights, and urged the Commission to issue a notice to the chief minister seeking an explanation from him with immediate effect. He also requested "to examine the implications and impact of such emotional remarks on the police, judiciary, and public," and to issue appropriate direction to Kumaraswamy.
Ask CM to maintain decorum as state's executive head: Plea
The petition by T Narasimha Murthy said it hoped that the commission would examine the issue and also direct the chief minister to maintain decorum as executive head of the state, and also restore the law and spirit of the Constitution.
