The discussion over Namma Metro Hindi Beda campaign refuses to die down. On Sunday, several writers and activists in Bengaluru, said that they would continue the agitation against the Centre's attempts to impose Hindi.
More intensive protests including jail bharo will be carried out if need be, they said.
Writer Chandrasekhar Patil, while addressing the media at a press conference, condemned the police action of arresting several pro-Kannada activists who allegedly blackened signage boards at metro stations recently.
He opined that the police had slapped irrelevant sections on the activists, thereby making it difficult for them to get bail.
The Times of India reports that the arrested activists were charged with several sections including Section 153 A. Around 36 pro-Kannada activists were booked under the section.
"Section 153A is about `promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony’. Police also booked protesters under Sections 143 (members of unlawful assembly) and 427 (mischievous act ending in loss or damage of property)."
Arguing that the protests were non-violent in nature, Patil said that the police wanted to curb the agitations by slapping strong sections on the activists.
“We condemn the disregard shown by the police in filing cases of communal riots against Kannada activists. The government should take strict action against foisting false and fabricated cases. We do not believe in inciting violence but in non-violent means,” said Patil, reported Deccan Herald.
Prakash Belawadi was quoted as saying by TOI: “Police have treated these Kannada activists like miscreants participating in communal violence. Letters to the central government from the state secretaries have said there is no need to use Hindi on Metros and BMRC officials have also agreed saying only Kannada and English are sufficient. Why is the Central government still imposing Hindi?"
Condemning the police action, they also said that they would launch "Praveen Sood Hatao" campaign, demanding the removal of the city Police Commissioner.