Karnataka Bandh LIVE: Bengaluru-Mysuru highway blocked, protestors chant ‘Our water, our right’ slogan, disrupt traffic

Karnataka Bandh 13 August: Traffic Disruptions and Water Dispute Protests Continue

Theindiapostdaily.com – Farmers alongside numerous Kannada organizations initiated a statewide bandh on Thursday to voice opposition toward the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s recent directive. The agitation, lasting twelve hours from early morning until evening, targets the CWMA’s instruction requiring Karnataka to dispatch 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu over a fifteen-day period beginning August 12.

Vatal Nagaraj, the convener of Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha and a prominent pro-Kannada activist, originally declared the bandh on July 31. He emphasized unity across the state, stating:

Let us all make Karnataka Bandh a grand success from Belagavi to Chamarajanagar.

Meanwhile, the Bengaluru City Police issued clarifications regarding essential services during the shutdown. Educational institutions including schools and colleges, alongside commercial establishments, offices, and shops, are anticipated to operate normally. Public transportation networks and private transport facilities are also expected to maintain regular schedules despite the widespread closure.

Banking institutions and other critical services will continue functioning without interruption throughout the statewide bandh. This timing coincides with the commencement of Karnataka’s ten-day monsoon legislative session, which features newly appointed Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Authorities have cautioned that no person or group should compel participation in the bandh through threats or force. Citizens are asked not to obstruct traffic or join protests against their wishes. The Bengaluru City Police further requested that all organizations and residents cooperate to preserve peace and public order within the city.

Protestors along the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway have been chanting slogans emphasizing water rights, with many voices echoing the message that the state’s water belongs to its people.