Pro-Kannada Organisations have called for a state wide bandh in Karnataka today. The protest is against the releasing of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, which is under process now. As per reports, nearly 70 are detained. The dawn to dusk bandh started at 6:00 am. Several flights scheduled to be departed from Bengaluru airport are called off, shutters are down of business establishments and educational institutions closed in the state as the bandh has tampered the normal life across the state.
- Government offices, banks, hospitals and pharmacies are still functioning amid the bandh. Bengaluru metro rails and state transport services are also on.
- Over 44 flights have been called off by the Bengaluru International Airport on account of the bandh. However, authorities said the cancellation was due to the mass ticket cancellation adhering to the bandh.
- Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure has been imposed in the city if Bengaluru, said B Dayananda, Bengaluru Commissioner of Police.
Security forces were also deployed in areas like Chamarajanagar, Mysuru and Kodagu. - Functioning of highways, hotels, restaurants and theatres came to halt. Autos and taxis are off the road.
- Ola and Uber Drivers” and Owners” Association and Autorickshaw Drivers” Union supports the bandh. Karnataka Private Schools” Association have also announced their support.
- People belonging to every sectors of life will participate in the huge rally from Town Hall to Freedom Park in Bengaluru. The Umbrella organization, Kannada-Okkuta which include Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and Kannada Chalavali along with BJP and JDS have extended their support. Various farmers” organisations also take announced their support.
- Tamil Nadu districts like Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Erode and Nilgiris were instructed to be alert. Checkpoints were deployed with security forces.
- Helpline authorities were also formed in case of emergencies. People having difficulties may contact 9498170430 or 9498215407.
- Protest over the Cauvery dispute erupted as a result of Supreme Court”s refusal to intervene in Tamil Nadu”s demand to release Cauvery water. The decision was taken by Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC).
- Earlier Karnataka has refused to release the Cauvery water citing the lack of rainfall. Farmers from both the states get to the street demanding the “fair share” of water.