Mysuru people say 'we are with you'

MYSURU: The Karnataka bandh called by Kannada Okkoota and led by Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha leader Vatal Nagaraj received a good response in Mysuru on Saturday.
In order to put pressure on state and Union governments to implement Kalasa-Banduri nala project, the Okkoota undertook a statewide protest. Various organizations, including Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) and Kannada Chaluvaligarara Kendra Samiti, participated in the bandh.
Hundreds of protesters from various organizations gathered in front of Kote Anjeneyya Temple near Mysuru Palace and took out a bike rally on major roads of the city. They raised slogans against the BJP-led NDA government for allegedly failing to solve the water problem being faced by the people of north Karnataka.
Sensing anger, commercial establishments downed shutters, while schools and colleges announced a holiday. Government and private establishments did not work, while hospitals and pharmacies did. Fuel stations and banks were closed, while buses were off the roads. The city wore a deserted look with people remaining indoors.
Protester climbs tower !With a large number of activists taking part in the protest, police kept a strict vigil to prevent it from going out of control. Policemen had a tough time reining in the protesters in front of the DC's office. K Madesha, one of the agitators from Karnataka Rakshana Bana Swabhimani Bana, climbed a mobile tower near the building. Policemen requested him to get do0wn. It took some time for him to come down, thanks to persuation by police.
Rail roko protest !Around 30 KRV activists staged a rail roko at 9am at City Railway Station. They staged the dharna by stopping Mysuru-Chamarajanagar Express for sometime. Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway police managed to calm down the protesters and ensure that the train services were resumed.
Industries down shutters !Many industries in Mysuru and Nanjangud industrial areas remained closed. Mysore Industries' Association general secretary N Satish said that they did not announce a day off. "But most of the industries, like BEML, Rane Motors and Automotive Axle and other units, remained closed," he added. At Hootagalli Industrial Area in Mysuru, some members of pro-Kannada organizations asked 30 small-scale industries to close for the day. At Nanjangud Industrial Area, most of the manufacturing industries like TVS Motors downed their shutters. Manufacturing industries will compensate Saturday's forced holiday by working on Sunday.
Advocates stage protest !While activists took out protest rallies, advocates attached to Mysuru Bar Association staged a protest at Gandhi Statue in front of the district court. Association president B R Chandra Mouli said that north Karnataka region will get around 203 tmcft of drinking water from Mahadayi river. We will support organizations which are pressing for the implementation of the water project.