Mangalore, Oct 22: Tulu Rajya Horata Samithi has urged that the region comprising Tulu speaking people should be given the status of a separate state.

“We have been geographically neglected for the past may decades. Self-rule is the only solution for the much awaited developmental works of the region,” said Samiti Convener Karnire Dinesh Poojary at a press meet here on Thursday.

He said the Samithi rejects the initiative to change the name of Mangalore. If it is changed it should be changed as ‘Kudla’. The Mangalore International Airport should be renamed as Tulunadu International Airport. The National Highway connecting B C Road and Surathkal should be repaired by ONGC and NMPT, as they are mainly responsible for its deteriorated condition, Mr Poojary urged.
 
Stating that the main reason for all kinds of violence in the region is unemployment of the youth and geographical negligence, he said, the demand for separate state is genuine because Kannadigas in general cannot understand the Tulu culture and the Tuluvas are being sidelined by the major companies of the region. He said the main aim of the samiti is to create awareness among the Tulu speaking people with regard to the inevitability of a separate state and enthusing them to fight for the cause. Pambada leader Dayananda Adkasthala was present.

DHNS