Bengaluru: As Tamil Nadu shut down over the Cauvery row, the city turned into a fortress on Friday with the police making massive security arrangement to avert any untoward incidents.
As there was an alert from intelligence agencies that there could be unrest if the protests turned violent in Tamil Nadu, the city police had made all possible efforts to thwart any protests here.
On Friday morning, a flag marches were conducted by the city police, KSRP, CAR, Central Reserve Police Force, Rapid Action Force, Border Security Force and Indo-Tibetan Border Police at South, North, North East and South East police divisions to instill confidence among citizens. Besides, Quick Reaction Teams and Rapid Action Force too were deputed at sensitive areas.
The police deputed 250 Hoysala vehicles and Cheeta bikes all over the city to attend to any distress calls. Heavy police deployment was made at Laggere and surrounding areas that witnessed violence on Monday which resulted in police firing killing a man.
Massive security arrangements were made at Attibele by the Bengaluru Rural police as it is the border between the two states.
The police remained on high alert across the city throughout the day. However, as the bandh in the neighbouring state was peaceful no incident that calls for concern took place in the city. The city police posted messages on their social networking sites about the security steps they had taken and assured people that the life in city was normal and there was absolutely no need to panic.
Meanwhile, members of the Kannada Okkuta observed Black Day at the Mysuru Bank Circle, condemning the Tamil Nadu bandh. The agitators alleged that Tamil Nadu was observing the bandh even as it is getting Cauvery water. The police arrested them and broke up the protests as prohibitory orders were in place.
Police warn against hate messages
The city police warned those who are posting and circulating hate messages on various social networking platforms. The city police posted, “Anonymity on Twitter, FB, etc. is a misconception. Don't live in a fool’s paradise. If we want, we can track you down!”, “Our @BlrCityPolice Social Media Team is watching and storing every post regarding #CauveryIssue. Please beware of spreading hatred for your own good.” Also, the police warned that such hate messages are punishable under Sections 120B (Conspiracy), 153A (promoting enmity), 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration) and 109 (abetting offence) of the Indian Penal Code.
KSRTC, pvt operators cancel bus services
The bandh in Tamil Nadu on Friday paralysed road transport between the two states, though train services were not affected.
According to the KSRTC officials, no bus was operated on both the directions. “The situation is expected to continue for few more days,” said an officer.
Private bus operators too did not operate. “No bus from any of the border areas of the state including Bengaluru, Kolar and Mysuru plied to Tamil Nadu,” said Ramesh Shetty, a private bus operator.
However the train service between the two states remained intact. According to a railway official, “Only trains are now operating, thereby providing the role of life line,” said an officer.
Onion growers in dire straits
The onion growers in the state are expecting heavy losses this year due to the ongoing Cauvery dispute between the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. According to onion growers, thousands of tonnes of onion are now lying in godown of various APMCs of the city for want of buyers. “Compare to last year, this year we had a bumper crop, but sadly there are no buyers. Generally traders from Tamil Nadu used to buy in bulk. But this time due to the tension no one is coming forward,” they said.
