500 pro-kannada activists arrested, bandh total in Karnataka

Bangalore, Oct 4 (UNI) More than 500 pro-Kannada activists were arrested, even as the bandh in Karnataka called to protest against UPA government's 'step motherly' treatment in border row with Maharashtra evoked total response today.

No untoward incidents were reported from any part of the State, police officials said. Schools, colleges and other educational institutions declared holiday in most parts of the state.

Director General of Police B S Sial said the bandh was peaceful and no incidents of violence had been reported from any part of the state.

Tense situation prevailed in border city of Belgaum which is in the eye of storm as Maharashtra is demanding its merger with that state. Kannada activists and Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti were involved in a wordy duel at the APMC market. Police made a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd and bring situation under control.

More than 100 activists, led by Narayana Gowda of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, were arrested when they tried to enter Bangalore Railway Station, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Bipin Gopalakrishna told UNI. The other arrests were made in different parts of the state when activists tried to disrupt rail traffic.

In Bangalore, pro-Kannada leaders like Vatal Nagaraj, Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Chandrasekhara Patil and Dr Rajkumar Fans Association president Sa Ra Govindu were among those arrested.

Tense situation prevailed in Chikpet area in the city when the agitators indulged tried to force some business establishment owners, who had kept their shutters half open, to close down.

Agitators detained trains in many parts of the state. In Mysore Mysore-Bangalore Tippu Express was detained for more than 15 minutes. In Malur coming under Kolar district, Chennai-Mysore Shatabdi Express was held up for nearly 15 minutes, while Shimoga-Bangalore Passenger train was halted for 13 minutes in Tumkur.

However, Air service was not affected, Air Traffic Control officials said.

Meanwhile, activists led by Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha leader and Legislator Vatal Nagraj took out a procession to Raj Bhavan.

RPF personnel ensured tight security around the Raj Bhavan. Tense situation prevailed in silk cocoon market in Kolar town when traders tried to do business which was opposed by activists. Police intervened and the trading came to a halt.

Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Chandrasekhar Patil led a Motorcycle Rally in the city.

Information Technology and BPO companies joined the bandh by declaring holiday.

The Bandh was total in Kodagu, Gulbarga, Mysore, Belgaum, Kolar, Dharwad, Bidar, Raichur, Bijapur, Bagalkot, Chamarajnagar, Mandya, Davanagere and Bellary districts. It was partial in Mangalore, Chitradurga and Udupi districts.

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