AAP condemns violence in Karnataka over Yellur signboard

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has condemned the violence that erupted following the removal of a pro- Maharashtra signboard at Yellur village in Karnataka.

"India is a country with religious, ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversities. AAP believes that stirring up violence in the name of language and state borders is condemnable. Often, violence is incited for political gains and the result is that the aam aadmi (common man) suffers. This exploitation of emotive issues must stop," AAP said in a statement here.

"We appeal to all citizens to keep calm and not fall prey to divisive forces. We also appeal to the State of Karnataka to ensure that the police force exercises restraint in handling protests," the party added.

On Friday, the Belgaum district administration demolished a signboard at Yellur village near Belgaum proclaiming that the village belonged to Maharashtra following which protests were triggered in Kolhapur, where Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses were stoned.

Police had lathi-charged a group of pro-Maharashtra supporters who engaged in stone-pelting at Yellur.