Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa condemned the alleged incident in Shivamogga and Bidar, in Karnataka, in which two students appearing for the CET were told to remove their \u2018sacred thread\u2019 at examination centres.<\/p>\n

Thought the government of Karnataka has ordered an inquiry and has pointed out that it was done by the security personnel at the examination centres, the BJP has hit the streets holding the government responsible. <\/p>\n

Mr. Srivatsa, who took part in the protest convened by Mysuru Brahmin Yuva Vedike at Agrahara Circle, said that the incident has hurt the sentiments of the Brahmin community. The protesters marched on foot via Vani Vilas Road, and submitted a complaint to the Krishnaraja police.<\/p>\n

The MLA said that the \u2018sacred thread\u2019 indicated the initiation of the boys at a young age into spiritual learning through \u2018brahmopadesha\u2019 and \u2018upanayana\u2019. \u201cIt is a cherished tradition, and every community in the country has the right to follow their beliefs and cultural practices,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

\u2018\u2019But the harassment meted out to the two boys by forcing them to remove the \u2018sacred thread\u2019 amounts to humiliating and insulting an entire community and its customs,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Nearly 300 members of the forum took part in the demonstration and raised slogans condemning the incident. <\/p>\n

Mr. Srivatsa sought the dismissal of the persons responsible for the incident. He threatened to intensify the agitation if the government fails to act against the officials responsible. <\/p>\n

D.T. Prakash of the Akhila Karnataka Brahmin Mahasabha, Mysuru unit, K.R. Satyanarayana of Hoysala Karnataka Sangha, M.V. Ramprasad, former councillor of the Mysuru City Corporation, were among those who took part in the protest. <\/p>\n