Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged his Karnataka counterpart Siddaramaiah to ensure the safety of life and property of Malayalis residing in that state following violence over Cauvery river issue. The CM who spoke to Siddaramaiah over phone, sought protection for KSRTC buses in and also expressed concern over the safety of Malayalis in Bangalore and various parts of Karnataka which are witnessing widespread violence.
The Karnataka chief minister assured Pinarayi that his government would take all steps to ensure the safety of Malayalis. He informed that the Karnataka police would provide escort to KSRTC buses up to Kerala border and if required would also run buses in convoys with adequate police protection. Siddaramaiah said the situation would be brought under control soon. However, reports coming from Karnataka suggest that violence had spread.
Meanwhile, Karnataka DGP has assured his Kerala counterpart of adequate police protection for people of the state. Official sources said 43 buses of KSRTC are currently parked in Bangalore depot. The corporation has already cancelled nine interstate services in view of violence. Transport minister A K Saseendran is in constant touch with his Karnataka counter part and officials concerned.
