Reserve jobs for Kannadigas or see intensified protests: Pro-Kannada activists

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Around 1000 ProKannada activists participated in a massive protest for job reservation for Kannadigas, at Freedom Park in the city on Monday, Various pro-Kannada organizations led by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KaRaVe) demanded the implementation of job reservations for Kannadigas.

People from different walks of life who marched from Malleshwaram, were led by T A Narayana Gowda, president of the Vedike. Their demands include 80 per cent job reservation for Kannadigas in private industries and 100 per cent reservation in 'C' and 'D' posts.

“We have given the state government one month to enact the Sarojini Mahishi report and enforce job reservations for Kannadigas,” Gowda said, hinting at intensified protests if their demands are not met promptly.

The protestors sought support from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for their demands. Protests ensued in a similar manner at Yadgir, Chitradurga, Haveri, Dharwad, Belagavi, and other districts, indicating widespread support for the demand.

In response, Home Minister G Parameshwara said the protests are being monitored while cautioning against any breach of law and order. "We respect their right to peaceful protest, but lawlessness will not be tolerated,'' he stated.