Cauvery Row: 44 Flights Cancelled, Over 50 Held As Pro-Kannada Outfits Observe Bandh In Karnataka

Pro-Kannada bodies are observing a state-wide bandh in Karnataka to protest against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. BJP, JD(S) and many local bodies have extended support to the agitation.

Bengaluru police on Friday detained several protesters who are agitating against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu as the issue continues to increase tensions between the two southern states. Visuals shared by news agency ANI show heavy police deployment with personnel pushing the protesters inside a bus. Pro-Kannad outfits are observing a state-wide bandh in Karnataka or the Cauvery water dispute on Friday.

Some members protesting outside Bengaluru airport were also detained by the police. Meanwhile, as per ANI, PRO at Bengaluru airport said that 44 flights including 22 arrivals and 22 departures have been cancelled due to the ongoing bandh in the state.

According to PTI, 'Kannada Okkuta', an umbrella body for Kannada outfits including factions of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, Kannada Chalavali (Vatal Paksha) and various farmers’ bodies has called for the statewide shutdown. 

Mallikarjun Baladandi, Additional SP of Bengaluru Rural district said that over 50 people have been taken into custody and police have made proper arrangements in view of the bandh.

"We have made proper arrangements as a bandh has been called by several pro-Kannada organisations. More than 50 people from the organisations have been taken into custody... We have sufficient staff and we will make sure nothing goes wrong..." he said.

The bandh has got the backing of both BJP and JD(S) as well as Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union and Ola Uber Drivers and Owners’ Association (OUDOA). An office bearer of the Karnataka State Private Schools’ Association told PTI that 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, as quoted by the news agency.

Some members were seen staging a protest by standing in Cauvery water.

Meanwhile, the State Transport Department has asked the state transport corporations to continue their services as usual. However, the bus stations are totally empty despite the instructions. 

"There is no change in bus schedule and routes, however, people are not coming. Buses are operational but people are not seen," Traffic controller, Chandrashekar told ANI.

As per PTI, the agitators plan to shut highways, toll gates, rail services, and airports as part of the protest.

This comes after a few activists on Thursday staged protests in the Cauvery heartland of Mandya against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. They alleged the Congress government in the state had been lenient towards Tamil Nadu.