Trade unions' strike evokes good response in Mysuru

Bike rally, processions mark protest against Centre's policies

The nationwide strike on Friday, called by various trade unions against the anti-people policies of the Union government, was largely successful in the city.

A large number of members representing various employees unions in the city hit the roads and took out a protest march. They also forced shop owners to down the shutters. Many shops on major business streets like D Devaraj Urs Road, Sayyaji Rao Road, Ashoka Road, Chamaraja Double Road, Kalidasa Road, Shivarampet and suburban bus stand remained closed.

Members of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) Employees Union, Bhoruka Extensions Employees Union, BSNL Employees Union, National Federation of Industry, Karnataka State Asha Workers Association and employees unions of government and private agencies took part in the strike.

While a majority of the industries in the city had announced compensatory holiday, a majority of shops and business establishment remained closed, holiday was declared for educational institutions following the District Administration’s order. Cinema halls had put up boards saying that morning and afternoon shows have been cancelled.

Public transport
Though public transport vehicles were on road, city and suburban bus stands wore a deserted look due to lesser movement of people.

The service was hit between 10 am and 12 noon, as the protesters forced the KSRTC to stop the service.

However, private buses were off the road since morning itself. Though banks
were open in the morning, the agitators forced them to down the shutters.

Protest march
The protest rallies, which commenced from Ramaswamy Circle, J K Grounds and Silk Board Junction, concluded at Gandhi Square, where a large number of protestors staged a demonstration against the Union government and held a public meeting.

No support
The members of the Hotel Owners Association did not support the bandh as tourists inflow is high in the city owing to festival. In a press statement, the association president C Narayanagowda had mentioned, “As there is a festival in first week and continuous holidays, large number of tourists visit the city and the visitors suffer if hotels are closed. Thus, the association does not support the bandh.”

Heightened security
The police department had beefed up security across the city to prevent any untoward incident. The police had deputed KSRP personnel and Mounted Police at parts of the city as a precautionary measure. According to the police, no untoward incident has been reported during the protest.

Tourist inflow low
Following the bandh, the city’s major tourists spots Mysuru Palace and Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden witnessed a few visitors. According to the authorities, tourists flow was almost 50% down.