Even as the Karnataka Government with the help of Central Security forces has been trying hard to crush the violent protests in Karnataka against the Supreme Court order to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, the incidents of Tamils trying to cross the border being attacked and insulted have not stopped. Even today a few incidents where Tamil truck drivers were attacked and forcibly asked to chant pro-Karnataka slogans have been reported in TV news channels. Members of a Tamil outfit tried to attack a restaurant owned by a Kannadiga in Chennai were arrested by Police personnel.
In the meantime film stars and celebrities have started voicing their concerns about the issue. Kollywood’s leading young star Vijay Sethupathi has sent out a video message in which he emotionally requests everyone to forget hatred and stop attacking the common man.
"I am not going to talk about Cauvery water sharing dispute. It is very painful to see innocent people being attacked. We have cast out votes and elected the political leaders to handle our problems. Let us place our demands in front of them. They will discuss and bring about a solution. Instead attacking the layman who cannot fulfill his basic necessities if he cannot go to work even for one day, is highly distressing.
Behind every such person attacked, there is a family loving them and expecting their safe return to home. If this issue is not there, I believe that there would have been exchange of love between us (Tamils and Kannadigas). This sense of hatred has been thrust upon us for decades. We should first understand that. For me my language is like my mother. I love my mom and respect her. Same way, we respect and love you and your language. Let the Government handle this problem. Let’s place our requests to the Government. I solemnly request everyone to forget hatred and renounce violence. Please don’t attack the common man. "
