BENGALURU, 21 MARCH

Following a call for a bandh by pro-Kannada organisations in protest against the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES), Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda has issued a firm warning against any attempts to enforce the shutdown through force.

Addressing reporters on Friday, Dayananda affirmed that, although certain Kannada groups have announced the bandh, law enforcement is fully prepared to maintain order and ensure public safety.

"Strict action will be taken against anyone found forcing businesses to close, obstructing people from working, or engaging in any disruptive activities," he stated. Police personnel have been deployed throughout the city, with officers instructed to ensure a peaceful protest.

He further stressed that hotels and shops cannot be compelled to shut and indicated that the leaders of the organisations behind the bandh have been made aware of the court’s directives. They have been strictly advised not to inconvenience the public or cause disturbances.

The Bengaluru police have guaranteed adequate security measures for the day of protest, cautioning that any breach of law and order will be dealt with decisively. 

Meanwhile, Hotel Owners Association of Mysuru District has announced that it will not support the Karnataka Bandh citing the recent assault on a KSRTC bus conductor in Belagavi, the Association noted that the government has already taken decisive action regarding the incident. They deem it unfair to disrupt commercial operations in the name of the bandh, emphasising that the hospitality industry is governed by the Food Essential Services Act. Hotels are urged to provide food services to tourists, visitors, and patients.