Kannada signage protesters turn to vandalism in Bengaluru, several detained
Karnataka Rakshna Vedikehad set a December 27 deadline for all establishments in Bengaluru to implement 60 per cent Kannada in signboards across the city.
Protests demanding the implementation of 60 per cent Kannada in all signboards in Bengaluru city turned to vandalism in many parts of the city on Wednesday. Several boars were defaced during a procession by Karnataka Rakshna Vedike (KRV) from Sadahalli toll gate towards the city.
Simultaneous protests also took place in different parts of the city, where protesters removed boards that did not have Kannada. The police have detained several protesters, including KRV president T A Narayana Gowda.
The procession was taken out after the pro-Kannada outfit had set a December 27 deadline for all establishments in Bengaluru to implement the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) order mandating 60 per cent Kannada in signage across the city. The order is based on BBMP Outdoor Signage and Public Messaging Bye-laws, 2018.
Following pressure from Kannada groups, the BBMP set February 28 as the deadline for all establishments to abide by the norms.
Narayana Gowda said that police were thwarting the protests carried out by pro-Kannada outfits. “I spoke to the chief minister and deputy chief minister yesterday night. They assured us that the protests would be allowed. If they arrest us or stop the movement, then the police will be responsible for any unforeseen incidents in Bengaluru,” he said.
The protestors vandalised the signboard of the multi-city hotel chain Bloom, which did not have Kannada in it. They were also seen entering the hotel premises chanting pro-Kannada slogans. Marching towards Chikkajala, pro-Kannada workers defaced and removed many signboards. Videos of protestors spray painting some boards were shared on social media platforms. They were also seen tearing up large flexes installed along the airport Road.
Kannada signage is a long-standing demand of pro-Kannada organisations, which intensified last week as Kannada organisations carried out a procession at Chickpet in the city.
Videos of the incident showed the activists abusing shopkeepers in the market area for not implementing 60 per cent Kannada in signage and demanding it to be implemented by December 27. Subsequently, protests were carried out against Mall of Asia, demanding Kannada in the mall’s signage and establishments inside it.
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