Mandya observes call for shutdown amid Waqf row

Srirangapatna in Mandya district came to a standstill on Monday as business establishments remained shut and educational institutions were closed in response to a bandh called by various organisations and the farmers’ welfare committee to protest against Waqf Board. Addressing the protesters, senior advocate Jayaswami said: “The state government has altered land records to transfer over 70 properties, including ancient monuments, heritage sites, and government schools, to the Waqf Board. This includes properties belonging to the archaeological department and farmers’ lands, which have now been listed as Waqf properties in the RTCs.” Historical monuments such as Tipu Armoury and structures under the Archaeological Survey of India and the state department of archaeology, museums and heritage, were recorded as Waqf Board properties in the official RTC land records. Reiterating the commitment to fairness, SDM Srinivas said, “The farmers’ interests will be safeguarded, and any lapses in land administration will be addressed immediately.” To maintain law and order, police, under the leadership of SP Mallikarjuna Baladandi, set up barricades around the Jamia Mosque and deployed additional security personnel.