Kannada organisations conveyed decision to withdraw Karnataka bandh: CM Shivakumar

Bengaluru, Aug 13 (IANS) Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday said prominent leaders of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike had conveyed to him that they would withdraw the Karnataka bandh called to protest the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

Speaking at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Shivakumar said he welcomed the decision and thanked the Kannada organisations for taking a stand in the interest of the state and its people.

“I convey my greetings to everyone on behalf of the people of Karnataka. I appeal that the truth and rightful matters should be conveyed to the people. Give your blessings to us,” he said.

Chief Minister Shivakumar said the leaders of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike had met him shortly before his interaction with the media and informed him of their decision to withdraw the protest.

“Just now, prominent leaders of the Rakshana Vedike met us and told me that they will withdraw the protest. I am happy and convey my thanks and greetings to them for taking a stand in the interest of the state,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said the Kannada organisations had raised certain demands concerning the interests and welfare of the people and farmers.

“They have also made certain demands in the interest and welfare of the people and farmers. I will consider them,” Shivakumar said.

The Karnataka bandh was called by Kannada and farmer organisations in protest against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu following directions from the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee and the Cauvery Water Management Authority to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

It can be noted that the Karnataka bandh called by Kannada and pro-farmer organisations protesting the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu received a mixed response across the state on Thursday, with normal public life largely unaffected in state capital Bengaluru and across the state. Kannada activists were detained by police as a precautionary measure, while schools, colleges, shops, markets and commercial establishments functioned normally.

Police have deployed tight security across Bengaluru and appealed to protesters to maintain peace. They have also warned against forcibly shutting down shops and other establishments.

–IANS

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