Mysore/Mysuru: Accusing Marathi groups of unleashing violence against Kannadigas at Belagavi over installation of freedom fighter Kranti Veera Sangolli Rayanna statue at Peeranawadi in Belagavi taluk late last night, several activists of various Kannada and other organisations staged a snap protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s bust opposite the City Law Courts Complex here this morning.

Strongly condemning the violence, the protestors urged the Government to order a crackdown on Marathi Organisations which have been inciting hatred and violence among the people. 

Contending that they would not allow shifting of Rayanna statue from Peeranawadi, they said they would not allow Shivaji statue to come up in the place.

The activists announced that a meeting of all Kannada Associations and other like-minded organisations has been convened at Jaladarshini Guest House at 11 am tomorrow to chalk out further course of action.

Kannada Kala Koota President M. Chandrashekar, Mahadevaswamy, Aravind Sharma and others took part.