Karnataka has come to a standstill as a state-wide bandh, called by the ‘Kannada Okkuta’ – a conglomerate of pro-Kannada groups – takes effect. The 12-hour bandh, from 6 am to 6 pm, is in protest against the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu. Here are the latest updates:
Protest Against Cauvery Water Release: Pro-Kannada groups and farmers’ organizations are leading the bandh to protest against the release of Cauvery river water to neighboring Tamil Nadu. Additional police forces have been deployed across the state to maintain law and order.
Protest Procession: Massive protest processions are planned, including one from Town Hall to Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Earlier, ‘Kannada Chaluvali,’ led by Vatal Nagaraj, had threatened to block national highways and airports.
Section 144 Imposed: In anticipation of law and order issues, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) have been imposed in Karnataka’s Mandya district.
Bengaluru has declared a holiday for all educational institutions in the city. The move aims to ensure the safety and convenience of students.
Support from Autorickshaws and Cab Services: Autorickshaw and cab driver associations in Karnataka are also supporting the bandh. However, public transport services, banks, and emergency services will remain operational.
Political Support: The opposition BJP and JD(S) have extended their support to the bandh.
Recent Protests: Protests related to the Cauvery river water issue have escalated, with activists interrupting actor Siddharth’s press conference in Bengaluru and holding massive rallies.
The Cauvery river water dispute has been ongoing between Karnataka and Tamil N5adu for decades. The recent flare-up was triggered by an order from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directing Karnataka to release 5000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.
Karnataka argues it cannot release water due to insufficient inflow into its reservoirs caused by lower rainfall in the Cauvery catchment area, including regions in Kerala.
Tamil Nadu’s Position: Tamil Nadu asserts that the river is a shared resource, and it should receive its due share.
The Cauvery river originates in the Karnataka region of Talakaveri and flows through Tamil Nadu before entering the Bay of Bengal.
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