BENGALURU: Scenes at the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border at Attibele resemble those at the international border between India and Pakistan at Wagah. As the tension continues to simmer over the release of Cauvery water, people have to cross the border on foot as none of the state-run or private buses are crossing the border fearing attacks.
Throughout the day, thousands of people get down from buses and private vehicles just before the border on both sides and make the crossing on foot, all the while carrying heavy luggage and small children.
Commuters walk nearly half a kilometre to cross the Karnataka Tamil Nadu border near Attibele. (Photo: R. Samuel)
Sathish Kumar, who was heading to Karnataka from Tiruvannamalai for business purposes, said, “I have my business association with Karnataka for the last 25 years and keep visiting the state. But over the last few days, I felt that I was entering a different country. It has remained the same for over two weeks now.”
It’s Wagah at Attibele, passengers suffer
Even as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu remain at loggerheads over Cauvery water, the scene at Attibele on the border of the two states resembles Wagah on the India-Pakistan border.
Thousands of people from both states cross the border, guarded heavily by police deployed by both states at Attibele, on foot carrying their luggage as government -run buses don't dare cross it for fear of being attacked and drop passengers here. Private bus services too are no longer running inter-state.
The experience is no better for those travelling by cars and bikes as except for two-wheelers, all other vehicles bearing Karnataka registration numbers are not allowed to enter Tamil Nadu and vice-versa.
Border Security Forces personnel stationed at the border. (Photo: R. Samuel)
Only vehicles owned by locals of Attibele and Hosur town are exempted and allowed to cross on displaying their ID card and address proof.
For many the experience is unnerving. Said Sathish Kumar, who was heading to Karnataka from Tiruvannamalai on business, “I have been coming to Karnataka on business for the past 25 years. But this time I am feeling very insecure. It's almost like I am entering a different country."
Mr Ranjith Kumar of Udanapalli in Hosur said although he worked in Karnataka and owned a vehicle bearing a Karnataka registration number, he was allowed to cross the border on displaying his address proof, but he found it an unpleasant experience. "I wish the Cauvery imbroglio is settled at the earliest,” he added fervently.
The police for their part say they have no choice in the matter given the current situation and are only acting in the people's interests.
