Karnataka

Bandh in Kodagu district total

Madikeri: The Kodagu bandh called by “Kodagu Asthitva Horata Samiti” against the failure of the State Government to resolve the Bane land problem, including Jamma Bane, was total in the district.

Barring minor incidents at the Rajyotsava celebrations in Madikeri, Virajpet and Somwarpet, the bandh was peaceful in Kodagu. Shop-keepers downed shutters all over Kodagu to express solidarity with those who called the bandh.

Private buses and autorickshaws remained off the road and educational institutions were closed. Organisers of bandh went round to make government offices, BSNL and other enterprises close. Vehicles were not allowed to enter Madikeri city till the evening. Shops opened only after 6 p.m.

The police would register cases against those who tried to indulge in rioting and obstructing the Rajyotsava celebrations at the Fort here, Superintendent of Police K.V. Thrilok Chandra said.

Reports of total bandh were received from all major towns in the district such as Virajpet, Somwarpet, Napoklu, Siddapur, Kushalnagar, Gonicoppa and others. Tourists who were not aware of the bandh had to struggle for food and to get vehicles to reach their destinations in the district. Border gates at Anechowkur, Sampaje and Koppa were locked for some time in the morning. People attending marriages and those going to hospitals were allowed to enter the towns by the organisers.

Reacting to the ruckus created by the protesters at the Fort in the morning, Deputy Commissioner K.R. Niranjan said obstruction to the Rajyotsava celebrations did not augur well and was unfortunate.

He told presspersons that the people of Kodagu were peace-loving, but the developments had cast a shadow on the celebrations.

He was aware of the difficulties of the people. He could do whatever was possible from his side and the State Government had to take decisions concerning larger issues.

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