Pro-Kannada Activists Detained in Bengaluru Protests Over Cauvery, Bandh Sees Mixed Response
Bengaluru: Several pro-Kannada activists, including Kurubur Shanthakumar, the president of the Karnataka Water Conservation Committee, have been detained by the police in Bengaluru for staging protests regarding the ongoing Cauvery water dispute. The police had denied permission for a protest march and had imposed prohibitory orders throughout the city.
Around 50 pro-Kannada activists were taken into custody at Mysore Bank Circle when they staged a demonstration and raised slogans against the state government, demanding the halt of Cauvery water release to Tamil Nadu.
Kurubur Shanthakumar, who was leading the bandh (general strike), has also been detained by the police.
In a separate incident, another group of pro-Kannada activists were detained near Kengeri for their slogans against Tamil Nadu.
The bandh, or general strike, has evoked a mixed response as a section of transport workers have decided not to support it. However, due to the bandh call, the majority of the roads in the city wore a deserted look.
The Hotel Owners’ Union has withdrawn their initial support but decided to remain open. Nevertheless, some hotels have chosen to start their operations based on the prevailing situation.
Throughout the city, grocery shops and milk parlours remained open since morning.
Private school unions have already announced holidays for the schools, and the Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner has also declared a holiday for colleges in the district.
The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and Karnataka State Transport Corporations are operating as usual.
The Ola and Uber Drivers and Owners’ Association have withdrawn their support, resulting in fewer cabs on the road due to the lack of passengers.
Despite the Bengaluru Police denying permission, various groups are planning protest marches from Town Hall to Mysore Bank Circle.
The Peace Auto Union has decided to conduct an auto rally across the city, while the Karnataka Christian Union has planned a march from Town Hall to Freedom Park.
More than 150 organizations have extended their support to the bandh and have decided to shut down their services.
In response to the situation, heavy police deployment has been seen at important junctions and sensitive areas of the city. The police have even parked BMTC buses on the streets to detain protesters if they attempt to hold protest marches.
Additionally, KSRP, CAR, and RAF personnel have been deployed alongside the local police across the city.
Despite the mixed response to the bandh, the detention of pro-Kannada activists reflects the intense emotions and sentiments surrounding the longstanding Cauvery water dispute. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government and various stakeholders address this issue moving forward.
