Total Bandh observed in karantaka against cauvery tribunal verdict

Bangalore, Feb 12 (UNI) Sending a strong signal to the Centre about its displeasure on the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunals verdict, Karnataka today observed a total bandh with life coming to a grinding halt.

Barring stray incidents of arson, stone pelting and rail and road blockades the bandh was peaceful. The protest was intense in the Cauvery basin districts of Kodagu, Mandya, Mysore and Chamarajanagar as well as the State capital, which mainly depended on river Cauvery for its drinking water supplies.

In some pockets of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Haveri districts, the bandh evoked moderate response.

The JDS-BJP government, however, did not lend a direct support to the bandh call given by various kannada organisations. State buses were off the road and so were the autorickshaws. Cinema theatres downed their shutters and most of the IT offices closed down as a precautionary measure.

Talking to newspersons Chief Minsiter H D Kumaraswamy indicated that he would meet Prime Minsiter Manmohan Singh soon to discuss the verdict of the tribunal and if necessary would lead an all party delegation to the Centre.

He said an all party meeting would be convened soon and it would be followed up with a meeting of State MPs before February 22 to discuss the future course of action.

The bandh had its impact on the Legislature session too, with both the Upper and Lower houses being adjourned without transacting any business following demand from several members. The Congress members boycotted proceedings in both the Houses while the BJP leaders staged a protest.

(Eds pick up suitably from related series).

UNI