BENGALURU: Pro-Kannada forums have called for Karnataka bandh on Friday to protest the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. Transport services, both government and private, are likely to be hit. Also, schools and commercial establishments, including malls and theatres, will remain shut.
Karnataka Film Chamber Of Commerce president Sa Ra Govindu told Express, “It will be a complete bandh. Private school managements, film chamber, industry associations, Kannada organisations and commercial vehicle operators have extended their support.” The Kannada film industry is also backing the bandh and actors are expected to take part in a protest rally from Freedom Park to Vidhana Soudha. Beside farmers, forums of auto drivers, factory employees and students will also take part.
Security arrangements
In order to avoid any untoward incident, one company of the Rapid Action Force, 36 KSRP platoons, 30 CAR platoons, 1,200 Home Guards and city police personnel have been deployed for security, a senior police officer said.
Police personnel have also been deployed along the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, the officer said.