Black flag protest against SIR in Mysore

Members of various civil society organizations staged a silent ‘black flag’ protest against the ‘anti-people’ SIR process at the deputy commissioner’s office in Mysuru on Tuesday.

Wearing black bands on their sleeves, the protesters staged a dharna for about two hours in front of the deputy commissioner’s office.

The protesters, who also included representatives of Samvadana Rakshana Pade of HD Kote taluk, submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka through the Deputy Commissioner.

The black flag demonstration was to condemn the Chief Electoral Officer’s “inadequate response” to addressing civil society demands for the democratization of the SIR process.

“In a democratic system, it is the duty of every public institution to answer public questions. We condemn your violation of basic duties and your unconstitutional attitude,” read a statement issued by the organizers.

The protesters hailed the political will shown by the state Congress government and thanked Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for issuing orders to facilitate issuance of residence certificates and ordering verification of all voter rolls at the Gram Panchayat level.

The protesters also welcomed the stand taken by former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against SIR as well as his warning to Congress workers to remain cautious, engaged and vigilant about the SIR process.

PUCL President, Mysuru, Kamal Gopinath, All India Progressive Women’s Association representative Rathi Rao, besides other activists including Prof. The Kalachannegowdas were also present.

Published – 30 Jun 2026 20:51 IST