In some of the hustling districts of Belagavi – a border district between Maharashtra and Karnataka – bus services between the two states have been suspended, and Tamil films are banned as a language row escalates. Transport operations were suspended on Tuesday after a series of violent incidents attributed to linguistic clashes, according to reports from a news agency that confirmed the suspension.
Violent Clashes Over Language Spark Tensions
It worsened after a group of people allegedly beat up two of the KSRTC bus conductor and driver for not speaking in Marathi with a passenger. The minor passenger has also complained to the conductor on the grounds of misconduct. This wave of unrest was set off by this incident, which, in turn, caused retaliatory attacks between bus staff in the two states.
Many bus crews from both Karnataka and Maharashtra were reported to have been involved in assaults and fights. Long a contentious issue in the border regions of Karnataka, where there are large populations of both Kannada and Marathi speakers, the dispute over language rights in these regions has been the cause of conflict from time to time.
Bus Services Suspended, Protests Planned
We have suspended services to Maharashtra from yesterday,” confirmed a senior official of the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC). Likewise, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) had also stopped operating buses to Karnataka.”.
Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), headed by Narayana Gowda, has urged for the Bengaluru Chalo protest on Tuesday, stating that it will stage demonstrations and hold public meetings.
Appeals for Peace Amid Political Accusations
As the crisis escalates, Karnataka Ministers have asked citizens to maintain peace and harmony. Quick to play into political tension, Karnataka’s Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, accused the Maharashtra government of not taking action against those attacking KSRTC buses.
Authorities are monitoring the situation and requesting that restraint be used to avoid further violence.
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