Cauvery water row: Candlelight vigil against violent incidents called off

Bengaluru: A candle light vigil against violent incidents over Cauvery issue had to be called off on Saturday after the police department denied them permission. The event was organised by Anil Shetty, a board member of BPAC, and it was to be held at Town Hall.

The police reportedly denied them permission as Section 144 would be in force till September 25 and they feared an outbreak of violence over the emotive issue. The organisers have decided to hold the vigil after Section 144 is lifted.

Anil Shetty told DC, “The police department has told us that the issue is still sensitive and though we may be peaceful in our approach, there is still a chance of certain violent elements trying to disrupt the meet and cause chaos. As we are law abiding citizens we have decided that we will stand by the law of the state and not organise the vigil.”

In his social media page Shetty posted, “Certain elements in the society are causing widespread unrest and damage to state property in the name of dissent and protest. But let me remind you of something. We the people of Karnataka are responsible, law abiding and more importantly peace-loving citizens. We understand that violence is not a means to achieve something in a democratic and civilized society.”