Karnataka Bandh: Normal Life To Be Disrupted Second Time This Week Over Cauvery Water Sharing

As pro-Kannada organisations have announced to go ahead with the statewide bandh on Friday, a protest against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, normal life is set to be disrupted for the second time this week.

Bengaluru Police has imposed section 144 in the city till Saturday 12 am in view of the Karnataka Bandh. The restriction starts from 12 am Friday, September 29, said Police Commissioner B Dayanand.

BCCL

Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara Thursday said only protest is allowed on September 29.

Legal action will be initiated if anyone tries to force people to observe the bandh.

"I am warning the organisations which have given a call for bandh. The bandh can't be observed as directed by the court. Legal action will be initiated against those who defy it," the minister said.

BCCL

Karnataka Bandh: Who are supporting

Some 2,000 organisations under the umbrella of 'Kannada Okkuta' have called for a statewide shutdown as protests over the Cauvery water sharing spill over to the streets.

There will be a massive protest procession from Town Hall to Freedom Park in the city, in which people from all walks of life are likely to participate, the organisers said.

With most opposition parties also throwing their weight behind the bandh, it is expected to disrupt road and rail traffic.

Ola, Uber, Autos to support bandh

Autorickshaw Drivers' Union and Ola Uber Drivers and Owners' Association (OUDOA) are supporting the bandh.

BCCL

Are schools going to be closed?

Businesses, other commercial establishments and educational institutions are also likely to remain shut on Friday, though there is no official announcement yet.

An office bearer of the Karnataka State Private Schools' Association told PTI they were extending 'moral support' to the bandh.

"We have told our association members to use their discretion regarding the bandh. We have communicated to our students that there are chances of schools remaining shut," the office-bearer said.

BCCL

The Bruhath Bangaluru Hotel Association extended its moral support to the strike.

Economic cost of bandh

This is the second shutdown in the state this week over the Cauvery water issue.

On Tuesday, some pro-Kannada outfits had observed a bandh, which was limited to Bengaluru.

According to the government, due to the Bengaluru bandh on September 26, there is an approximate loss of Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 crore.

BCCL

What government has said

"If bandh is observed for one more time it will further make the situation critical in terms of economy. The organisations should know this. It is everyone's right to stage a protest, let them carry out protests. But, if bandh is tried to be imposed, legal action will be initiated," Parameshwara warned.

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