Mixed Reactions to Karnataka Bandh Over RTC Driver Attacks
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Synopsis
The Karnataka bandh, held on March 22, aimed to protest the attack on RTC drivers for not speaking Marathi. The response varied across the state, with thousands of activists protesting, while police detained many. Authorities imposed security measures, leading to significant tensions.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka bandh held on March 22 against RTC driver attacks.
- Mixed reactions received throughout the state.
- Thousands of Kannada activists protested, with many detained.
- Authorities increased security measures in Bengaluru.
- Key demands presented to the government.
Bengaluru, March 22 (NationPress) The Karnataka bandh, initiated on Saturday to protest against the attack on RTC drivers for not speaking Marathi in Belagavi and Maharashtra, received a varied response throughout the state. Thousands of Kannada activists organized demonstrations at district centers, leading to the detention of hundreds by police.
The protestors outlined around 20 demands aimed at promoting the interests of the Kannada language and the state.
Authorities implemented stringent security measures in Bengaluru and prohibited Kannada activists from gathering at Town Hall, a significant intersection in the city.
Law enforcement outnumbered the demonstrators at this location and transported them using RTC buses to Freedom Park. Fifteen RTC buses were stationed nearby, and as protesters assembled, they were taken onto these buses and dropped off at Freedom Park.
Requests for a protest march from Town Hall to Freedom Park were also denied. Given that Town Hall is situated in a crucial area of Bengaluru’s Central Business District, any disruption there was anticipated to have far-reaching impacts.
In Belagavi, where the initial attack on Karnataka RTC personnel occurred for not speaking Marathi, the bandh was completely observed.
Buses from Maharashtra were barred from entering Karnataka, and authorities heightened security to safeguard the substantial Marathi-speaking community in the border area.
The bandh was fully supported in Mandya, Chikkamagaluru, Bagalkot, Hubballi-Dharwad, Chamarajanagar, Bidar, and other districts, while some regions saw a mixed response.
Vatal Nagaraj, Chairman of Kannada Okkuta (Federation of Kannada Organisations), proclaimed the state-wide bandh a success.
"I commend all activists and organizations statewide for their involvement in the protest. The bandh was fully supported in every district," he stated.
"We have conveyed our demands to the government, the public, and the nation. The Bengaluru police displayed undue force to hinder the bandh, apprehending around 3,000 Kannada activists on Friday night alone. They also indiscriminately issued notices," he alleged.
Further criticizing the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, he remarked, "It appears he has taken it upon himself to thwart the success of the bandh. The former Commissioner, Bhaskar Rao, entered politics post-retirement. If the current Commissioner has similar ambitions, he is welcome to pursue them," he quipped.
"The police insist that demonstrations occur at Freedom Park, which cannot accommodate even one percent of Bengaluru’s populace. The Police Commissioner should uphold a standard of dignity. I strongly oppose the efforts made to stifle the bandh," he added.
"We possess the capability to ensure that not a single drop of water is accessible to the public during a bandh. This agitation will continue as a warning to the government. Authorities systematically used police force to hinder the bandh. But why are we protesting? Who are we protesting for? It is for the betterment of the state. Yet, the government has gone to the extent of attempting to suppress the bandh," he claimed.
In conclusion, he expressed gratitude to the media and the citizens of Karnataka, stating, "I commend the media and the populace of the state for making this bandh a success amid numerous challenges."
