BELAGAVI
Belagavi is likely to be out of bounds for Goans on Saturday as pro-Kannada organisations led by activist Vatal Nagaraj will protest against the recent attacks on KSRTC bus conductors and drivers and violence by pro-Marathi activists in Maharashtra. A statewide Karnataka bandh has been called on Saturday and police have initiated precautionary measures increasing the security arrangements.
The decision to stage a bandh on Saturday from 6 am to 6 pm was taken at a recent meeting in Bangalore.
Nagaraj and other pro-Kannada leaders have demanded strict action against those concerned and demanded that the government take strict measures to prevent such attacks in future.
On the day of the bandh, a protest march will be held from Town Hall to Freedom Park in Bangalore at 10.30 am. Similar protests would be held in Belagavi including a protest rally to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. In wake of the bandh, Belagavi police have geared up making necessary security arrangements as additional forces have been deployed in and around the city, Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang said.
Meanwhile, members of various Kannada organisations on Friday went around and on the outskirts of the city urging institutions, shopkeepers and auto drivers to support the bandh.
In a unique way, the Kannada organisation members went to the city bus stand and urged the Maharashtra State buses drivers not to bring their buses to Belagavi by offering them roses.
