Security upped for K'taka establishments in Tamil Nadu, situation peaceful

Commuters hit hard as inter-state bus services remain suspended

 Situation was peaceful in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday barring stray incidents in some areas in Chennai. However, bus services between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka remained suspended, causing hardship to commuters.

The police arrested about 50 activists of Naam Tamizhar Katchi who gathered in front of a Udupi restaurant at Chintadripet in Chennai and staged a demonstration. Four youths were arrested when they attempted to throw stones a bus bearing Karnataka registration at Koyambedu bus terminus in the city.

Additional extra security personnel continue to be deployed outside the premises of offices and banks owned by Karnataka. A senior police official told DH that extra security personnel were deployed at 66 branches and ATM centres of Karnataka Bank in the state. About 70 hotels owned by people from Karnataka have also been provided police security. The police said they will take strict action against those who post sensitive videos or pictures related to the Cauvery issue on social media.

As a precautionary measure, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation cancelled all its services to Karnataka from Chennai and other districts. Even Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation did not operate its services to Tamil Nadu. Due to the cancellation of bus services, many people from Bengaluru and other places in Karnataka were unable to join their families in Tamil Nadu for Bakrid and Onam.

Trucks, lorries and tempos bearing Tamil Nadu registration were stranded on the inter-state border. Fearing violence, most of the drivers had abandoned their vehicles and left the place. Hosur area was the worst affected as a large number of people could not reach their destinations in both the states. Similar situation prevailed in Sathyamangalam area in the border district of Erode.