Language Row In Karnataka: Protest Rally By Pro-Kannada Turns Violent As English Signboards Torn Down & Defaced

New Delhi: Pro-Kannada groups held violent protests at various parts of the state capital Bengaluru, including the Kempegowda International Airport over the language row in Karnataka. The protesters, who were seen tearing down and defacing English language boards were demanding the immediate implementation of an order by the city’s civic body, which directs all businesses to have 60 per cent of their signs in Kannada. The order followed a meeting with the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, seen by some as a right-wing group pushing the language row, NDTV reported.

The activists, led by the President of Vedike, Narayana Gowda, had planned to take a rally from Sadahalli gate near Kempegowda International Airport Limited to Cubbon Park and also pass through areas like Brigade Road, MG Road, and other areas to deliver message to owners to install Kannada sign boards and give more visibility.

As a precaution, the Cubbon Park police have taken over dozens of activists into preventive custody. Meanwhile, the police had taken Gowda and state secretary Sanna Erappa into preventive custody near Devanahalli Tollgate, The New Indian Express reported.

Earlier, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath had instructed the zonal commissioners to conduct a survey and ensure the Kannada sign board rules are strictly implemented in 15 days. He also directed the officials to suspend the trade licence.