- Karnataka is witnessing massive protests to oppose the Cauvery Regulatory Committee (CWRC) ‘s order to release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
- The umbrella organization of Kannada and farmers’ outfits ‘Kannada Okkoota’ has called for a bandh.
- Authorities have clamped prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in Bengaluru Urban, Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagara, Ramanagara and Hassan districts.
- Schools and colleges have declared a holiday today.
- 44 flights scheduled to take off and land at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru early on Friday have been canceled.
- The Karnataka Police have detained over 50 members of pro-Kannada organizations protesting over the Cauvery River water dispute.
Karnataka is witnessing massive protests after the Cauvery Regulatory Committee (CWRC) has ordered to release of 3000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. The umbrella organization of Kannada and farmers’ outfits ‘Kannada Okkoota’ has called for a bandh in Karnataka today to oppose the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
Authorities have clamped Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in Bengaluru Urban, Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagara, Ramanagara, and Hassan districts, not allowing people to hold rallies, protests, or congregations of more than five people. But Pro-Kannada organizations are likely to hit the streets and declare a holiday for schools and colleges there.
The Karnataka Police have detained over 50 members of pro-Kannada organizations protesting over the Cauvery River water dispute near Bengaluru to maintain law and order amid the state-wide Bandh call. “We have sufficient staff and we will make sure nothing goes wrong,” Additional Superintendent of Police of Bengaluru told the news agency.
In Chikkamangalur, protesters entered petrol bunks in bikes and protested, they also burnt the effigy of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. In Bengaluru, protesters were detained and brought to Freedom Park. In Mandya, protesters rolled on roads in protest.
44 flights scheduled to take off and land at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru early on Friday have been canceled.
More than 1,900 associations are supporting the bandh. Grocery shops and other non-essential shops in the state, including Bengaluru, are expected to remain closed but essential services like hospitals, ambulances, and pharmacies will be operational.
KSRTC and BMTC buses will be operational based on the situation across the state. Speaking about inter-state operations, an official said that the buses heading towards Tamil Nadu may not be operational tomorrow but it will be subject to change based on the situation. Traffic on major roads of Bengaluru, especially in the central business district and at entry and exit points, is likely to take a hit.
Cab aggregators including Ola and Uber have extended support to the bandh and are expected to participate in the rally. Auto-rickshaws will be off the roads. The Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association representing 32 private transport unions decided to provide moral support to the Karnataka bandh.
Karnataka Hotel Owners Association on Thursday decided to shut its operations across the state. Karnataka Film Exhibitors Association on Thursday in a statement said that it will not screen any movies on Friday till 6 pm across the state.
Metro in Bengaluru will operate as usual and the authorities have tightened security at the entrances. Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner Dayananda KA announced a holiday for all schools and colleges in Bengaluru, in view of the Karnataka Bandh.
(With inputs from agencies)
