Bandh sees limited impact in Mysuru region

Mysuru: The Karnataka bandh by pro-Kannada organisations, protesting the assault on a KSRTC bus conductor by Marathi-speaking youths, received a poor response in the Old Mysuru region and Malnad districts on Saturday.
In Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts, even though a few Kannada organisations held protests, it failed to make any impact. In Mysuru, a few Kannada activists tried to block the bus movement near the suburban bus stand, but the police foiled their attempt and detained the activists. Later, bus services resumed under police cover.
Though a handful of Kannada activists held protests in the major commercial areas, it had little impact on routine activities. All the hotels and other business establishments remained open.
In Chamarajanagar, bus, auto, and cab services were normal. The police made elaborate security arrangements as a precautionary measure.

Mandya: Drivers support
In Mandya, the KSRTC drivers and conductors showed their solidarity by joining the protest. Demonstrators blocked the busy Bengaluru-Mysuru national highway.
Due to ongoing exams, the protesters refrained from halting any vehicles. They ensured that students travelling to exam centres weren’t inconvenienced. The bandh received support from various organisations, including Kannada organisations, auto drivers, traders, farmers, and labour unions. Initially, most of the shops, including theatres, jewellery stores, and malls, were closed. Later in the afternoon, the shops were opened.
Chikkamagaluru & Hassan: Pvt vehicles move around
The movement of KSRTC buses and private vehicles was normal. Even autorickshaw and taxi services remained normal. However, a few Kannada activists staged a protest near the KSRTC bus stand in Chikkamagaluru and appealed to the KSRTC crew to support the bandh as their colleagues were attacked by Marathi people. The protesters were seen moving around the bus stand holding Kannada flags and raising slogans against the state govt.
To ensure safety and maintain peace, police security was increased at sensitive places in both the districts.
Shivamogga: People go to work
The situation was no different in Shivamogga. The pro-Kannada organisations’ plea for bandh fell flat, with no local organisations lending their support. As a result, life in the Malnad city remained unaffected. Buses, autos, and other transport vehicles plied their routes without any disruptions. Students attended school, and people went to work as they normally would.