Karnataka Bandh today: Several pro-Kannada groups have called a shutdown in Karnataka on Saturday, March 22, for a period of 12 hours from 6 am to 6 pm, protesting the alleged assault on a bus conductor in Belagavi. Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place after Kannada Okkuta, an umbrella organisation representing various pro-Kannada groups.
The bandh, to be in place from 6 am to 6 pm, was announced on February 28 to protest against the incident where the bus conductor was allegedly thrashed for not speaking Marathi – an issue that has long sparked tensions between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Karnataka’s deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday announced that the Siddaramaiah-led state government would not support the bandh.
He said, “We will make them (the organisations) understand that it is not the right course of action, as it will impact students whose exams have already begun.” Emergency services, including pharmacies, hospitals, and ambulance services will remain functional amid the bandh. Fuel stations are also slated to remain open. However, public transport services, shopping complexes and markets are likely to be closed today.
According to officials, police in various districts have deployed home guards along with the City Armed Reserve unit as a precautionary measure to ensure that the bandh is observed peacefully without causing inconvenience to the public.
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