District status sought for Gokak

Gokak taluk observed a bundh on Monday, demanding to carve it out from Belgaum as a separate district.

Schools, colleges and shops remained closed while the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and private operators withdrew bus services. Members of the Bar Association, who have been staging the protest, boycotted the court proceedings for the fifth consecutive day.

The protesters threw stones at window panes of a nationalised bank during their rally. Otherwise, no untoward incidents were reported during the bundh.

The protests were staged at Ghataprabha, Ankalgi and Koujalgi of Gokak taluk, demanding taluk status for Koujalgi as well.