The activists also removed the Kannada flag hoisted opposite the Regional Commissioner’s office here on Monday.

Reacting to this, pro-Kannada activists torched a Maharashtra bus at Itagi Cross on National Highway 4, located between Kittur and Belgaum.

The police had to resort to caning to bring the situation under control. Three activists sustained minor injuries in the melee. MES leaders present at the scene attempted to justify the vandalism and criticised the police action.

During the rally, MES activists damaged advertisement hoardings and a sign board at a bus stop that had a picture of Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa. The group went on to remove a Kannada flag hoisted opposite the Regional Commissioner’s office and unsuccessfully attempted to hoist the saffron Bhagawa Dhwaj of the MES.

Attempts were also made to remove the name boards of government offices.
Following violence, buses are not plying beyond Nipani.

Former Maharashtra minister and Maharashtra High Power Committee on Boundary Dispute chairman N D Patil addressed the rally at the deputy commissioner’s office premises, before submitting a memorandum with five demands. Office bearers of MES, former MLAs and mayor participated in the rally.