The Karnataka bandh, called by a section of pro-Kannada organisations seeking the Union government to resolve Mahadayi river water sharing issue, evoked mixed response in the city on Thursday. Due to the bandh call, the footfall of tourists was very less throughout the day.
While business establishments on major streets such as K T Street, Ashoka Road and D Devaraj Urs Road remained closed from morning, petty shops were open. But, movement of people across city was affected.
Buses of the Karnataka State Transport Corporation (KSRTC) remained off the roads since morning. MP Pratap Simha, who visited the bus stand, took severe exception to the KSRTC authorities not allowing the buses to ply.
Due to unavailability of public transport, passengers, including school and college students, were forced to take either taxi or autorickshaw to reach their destination.
A few private education institutions declared holiday in the noon while the government institutions functioned normally. However, medical establishments and a majority of the hotels remain opened.
In order to maintain law and order, the City Police had intensified security across the city. According to the police, the bandh was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported.
In support of the bandh, members of a few organisations staged protests in small numbers in parts of the city.
Members of Jaya Karnataka, who opposed the bandh, complimented street vendors who did not close their business, by offering flowers.
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