Stray incidents mark Karnataka bandh

Bangalore, Feb 12 (UNI) Incidents of torching petrol bunks, setting afire two-wheelers and road and train blockages were reported in Cauvery basin districts of Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Mandya during a 12-hour bandh today in protest against the final verdict of the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal.

A large number of demonstrations and protest rallies were held in almost all districts by pro-Kannada organisations in most parts of the state.

Agitators also resorted to Rail Roko in Bellary, Bijapur, Gadag, Mysore, Mandya Districts. However, the rail services were not withdrawn in any part of the state.

In state capital, roads wore a deserted look as buses, autorickshaws were off the road. Business establishments remained closed. Most of the IT companies declared holiday today.

Air service was partially affected as nine flights both incoming and outgoing were suspended while the remaining flights numbering over 200 were being operated.

The state government has declared holiday in all educational institutions, including Schools and Colleges, as a precautionary measure.

About 200 agitators, including Vattal Paksha Legislator Vattal Nagraj, Dr Rajkumar Abhimanigala Sangha President Sa Ra Govindu, Kannada Academy Chairman Chandrasekhar Patil were taken into custody when they picketed in front of the Raj Bhawan.

In Maddur, tension prevailed for some time, as some miscreants torched VHP flag during 'Samajotsava' in the town yesterday.

However, police brought the situation under control after lathicharge. Prohibitory orders under section 144 clamped as a precautionary measure.

In Davanagere, police resorted to lathicharge to disperse Rakshana Vedike activists who tried to attack BSNL office. The office was later closed and the District observed a total bandh.

In Mysore normal life was affected as the city observed total bandh.

In undivided Dakshina Kannada district, the bandh evoked partial response with Kundapur observing total bandh, while in Udupi and Mangalore the response was partial.

In Bellary District, the bandh agitators resorted to 'Rail Roko' in Hospet by stopping Hampi express train for some time.

In Bidar the bandh evoked mixed response.

However, in Gulbarga and Raichur, the bandh remained peaceful.

Government offices and banks functioned normally.

In Hubli, about 100 Hindu Sena and Rakshana Vedike were taken into custody when they tried to resort to 'Rail Roko'.

More than 500 agitators were taken into custody in the state.

UNI