JOIN US The bandh called by the Zilla Raitha Hitharakshana Samiti against release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu evoked overwhelming response in the City on Saturday.
Schools, colleges, shops and business establishments remained closed in Mandya city. The KSRTC withdrew bus services foreseeing trouble by protestors. Many travelled by trains to reach their destinations. Cinema houses did not screen movies.
Non-stop agitations by various organisations are continuing at Sanjay Circle in the city. Protestors raised slogans against the Union and Tamil Nadu governments.
Members of Kannada organisations and Youth Congress held a bike rally, in protest against the water release.
Roads were blocked at Indavalu, Kabbanahalli of Mandya taluk and Gejjalagere of Maddur taluk. Business activities remained suspended throughout the district, except Nagamangala taluk.
Traffic affected
Traffic on Bangalore-Mysore highway came to a grinding halt as farmers blocked road at Indavalu village.
Paddy and sugarcane saplings were placed on the road as a mark of protest. Children also took part in large numbers.
Movement of vehicles was hit on the Mandya-KM Doddi Road as farmers blocked the road at Kabbanahalli and Bhootahosahalli.
Farmer leader Sunanda Jayaram led the protesters at Gejjalagere in Maddur taluk. They vacated the road to allow traffic, but continued the protest, following an appeal by Inspector General of Police Ramachandra Rao.
People hoisted black flags atop their houses as a mark of protest at Hallegere village in the taluk.
N Raju, secretary of the Zilla Raitha Hitharakshana Samithi, said that the protesters would lay a siege to the Krishnarajasagar reservoir, demanding that water release be stopped immediately, on Sunday. The stir will go on till the water release is stopped.
Support sought
Samithi President D Madegowda said people throughout the State should support the agitation against the release of Cauvery water.
There can be a solutions to the State’s problems, only if there is an united protest, he added.
Protests against the release of water to the neighbouring state were also held in Mysore.