MES members observe black day in Belagavi to protest merger
Protestors held a rally in the city to demand that Marathi-speaking areas be integrated into Maharashtra.
Members of the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) held a black day protest in Belagavi on Sunday to oppose the inclusion of Marathi-speaking regions within Karnataka, according to The Hindu.
The protestors, wearing black clothing and armbands, marched from Dharmavir Sambhaji Garden through the main roads of the city. They carried saffron flags and placards, concluding the procession at Maratha Mandir.
During the rally, participants raised slogans demanding a United Maharashtra that includes Belgaum, Karwar, Nipani, Bidar, and Bhalki. They also claimed that Belgaum is their rightful territory.
The MES stated that Belagavi and surrounding areas were forcibly integrated into Karnataka during the linguistic reorganization of States in the 1950s, despite a large Marathi-speaking majority. They said the local Marathi population feels they do not belong in Karnataka and wishes to join Maharashtra.
The protest proceeded despite the police and district administration denying permission for the march.