Nasik, Jan 27 (ANI): Activists of Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) attacked a school at Nasik in Maharashtra where a cultural programme of the north Indians was in progress on Monday.

The activists attacked the parents of school children and beat up participants in the programme, which was taking place as part of the country''s Republic Day celebrations.

Scores of activists wielding MNS flags and raising slogans vandalized property at the school.

The MNS activists said they were protesting against the Bhojpuri film songs being played at the function.

But the organizers said that there was nothing controversial, the programme was organized to pay homage to the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks.

"We had organised a cultural programme to pay homage to the victims of Mumbai terror attacks," said Pappu Yadav, organizer.

Thackeray and his outfit had in February 2008, unleashed a vituperative campaign against "outsiders" targeting migrants from northern India whom they accuse of robbing local Maharashtrians of jobs. (ANI)