BELAGAVI/ MYSURU 22 MARCH

The Karnataka Bandh on Saturday passed off peacefully in Belagavi and other northern parts of the state with protesters demonstrating without any untoward event. Normal life was not disrupted, while transportation and educational, commercial and financial institutions functioned as usual.

The owners of the private and public goods carriers and hotel owners’ associations said they supported the activists’ demands but did not participate in the bandh to avoid inconvenience to people.

Hundreds of Kannada activists who protested in various parts of Belagavi were taken into custody. Various Kannada organisations also held a joint protest march from Ashok Circle (Kote Kere) to Rani Channamma Circle.

The North-West Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (NWKSRTC) did not ply buses across Maharashtra border.

POOR RESPONSE IN MYSURU

The bandh evoked poor response in Mysuru city and other parts of the district.

A group of pro-Kannada activists under the Cauvery Action Committee staged a protest at the entrance of the KSRTC sub-urban bus stand as well as the Central Bus stand at Bannimantap. However, Lashkar Police detained and shifted them to City Armed Reserve (CAR) Police ground and released them later.

Bus services were affected for a few hours following the protest    

The bandh also received mixed responses in Mandya, as the pro- Kannada leaders staged a roadblock at Sanjaya Circle, blocking the Mysuru–Bengaluru highway. The shops and commercial establishments wore a deserted look, signalling the success of the bandh.

Schools and colleges functioned as usual, with private colleges maintaining their regular
schedules. Exams were conducted without any disruption.   

Shops and commercial establishments remained open throughout the day, and retail shop owners confirmed smooth functioning without any hindrance. Auto drivers also reported that services were running normally.

Adhering to the band's guidelines, a few banks remained closed in Mysuru, Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts.