JOIN USThe Belthangady taluk bandh call, given by Nethravathi Ulisi Horata Samithi, evoked a total response on Wednesday. The shops and business establishments remain closed and vehicles were off the roads.
However, devotees who had visited Dharmasthala were inconvenienced following the bandh. The KSRTC buses leaving Dharmasthala to other places were stopped. The KSRTC started its service only after 6 pm.
The bandh was total in Belthangady, Ujire, Poonjalkatte, Madanthyar, Dharmasthala, Venoor, Aladangady, Naravi, Guruvayanakere, Kalleri, Kokkada, Charmadi, Kakkinje and other places. No untoward incidents were reported.
The protesters blocked the road at Belthangady. A procession of Kambala buffaloes and cock fighting were organised as a part of the protest. The protesters shouted slogans against the Yettinahole project.
Members of over 40 organisations had extended their support to the bandh call. The youth were seen playing cricket and volleyball at Belthangady bus stand.
Though the KSRTC had started its service in the morning, the protesters did not allow the buses to ply in Belthangady and Ujire. Tyres were burnt on the road. The schools and colleges had declared holiday. Though the government offices were open, the attendance was less.
The Nethravathi Ulisi Horata Samithi president Pushparaj Shetty said “the bandh call was a move to wake up the State government. The people of the district will not accept the project. The protest will continue till the project is dropped by the State government.”