Karnataka bandh: Protesters threaten to block highways; Sec 144 imposed in Bengaluru till Sat

On September 26, farmers and other pro-Kannada groups called for a strike over the issue but received a partial response

Two days after the Bengaluru bandh (September 26), pro-Kannada groups have called for a Karnataka bandh from 6 am to 6 pm on September 29, opposing the sharing of Cauvery water with Tamil Nadu.

Pro-Kannada activist and former MLA Vatal Nagaraj said it will be a complete statewide shutdown. They are also planning a procession from Town Hall to Freedom Park in the city. The opposition BJP and JD(S) have also extended their support.

While farmer outfits and pro-Kannada activists have threatened to block major highways in the state, Bengaluru city police have imposed Section 144 for 24 hours. On September 26, farmers and other pro-Kannada groups called for a strike over the issue but received a partial response.

The state government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Bengaluru and Mandya on September 29 due to bandh. However, some private schools have opted for online classes.

Many companies have instructed employees to work from home, and a significant number of people left the city on September 27 due to the extended holidays.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) officials have confirmed that services will operate as usual. However, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation said that their services will depend on the law and order situation. Transport services between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are likely to be disrupted.

Ola and Uber Drivers and Owners Association president Tanveer Pasha and Adarsha Auto And Taxi Drivers Union president M Manjunath and D Rudramurthy of Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union have declared their participation in the strike.

However, S Nataraj Sharma, president of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations and Airport Taxi Owners' Association president Hamid Akbar Ali said they had already participated in the September 26 bandh and cannot afford to participate in another one. "But we are extending our moral support towards this cause," Sharma said.

Bangalore International Airport Limited has issued an advisory to passengers travelling to and from the airport, asking them to follow alerts issued by their respective airlines.

Bengaluru Hotel Owners Association president PC Rao has extended support for the bandh and decided to shut down restaurants in the city. The Karnataka State Government Fair Price Shop Dealers Association has expressed support for the bandh.

The Karnataka Film Chamber Of Commerce (KFCC) has extended its support to the Karnataka bandh, which will be held on Friday. Movie theatres and multiplexes are expected to be closed. Shopping malls are also likely to be shut.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has appealed to the public to protest peacefully. Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda emphasised the Supreme Court's ruling that all forms of bandhs are forbidden. "The sole sanctioned location for protests and rallies is Freedom Park. However, any organisation can lend its support voluntarily and not by force. If any damage to property occurs, the respective protesting organization will be held accountable for the costs," he said.

Meanwhile, hospitals, pharmacies, banks and government offices will remain open. Visvesvaraya Technological University has postponed the semester-end and special examinations scheduled for September 29.

While pro-Kannada groups and farmers are united against releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, they are divided over the bandh. The Bengaluru bandh (on September 26) was called by farmers leader Kurubur Shanthakumar.

Also read: Brand Bengaluru hit by back-to-back bandhs, say experts