The Karnataka bandh called by various Kannada groups on Saturday saw only partial participation in Belagavi, with daily life continuing mostly undisturbed. While Kannada activists blocked roads and staged protests at key junctions, transportation services, schools, colleges, and businesses operated as usual.
The bandh was organized by Kannada outfits demanding a ban on Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) and action against alleged atrocities on Kannadigas in Belagavi. Despite the agitation, normalcy prevailed, and public services remained unaffected.
Protestors marched from Ashok Circle (Kote Kere) to Rani Channamma Circle, and smaller demonstrations were reported in Athani, Ghataprabha, Hukkeri, Sankeshwar, Chikkodi, Nippani, Bailhongal, Kittur, and Savadatti. However, many activists were detained by police as a preventive measure.
To avoid escalation, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation temporarily suspended bus services between Belagavi and Maharashtra. Private bus operators, goods carriers, and hotel associations expressed solidarity with the cause but chose not to shut operations, citing public inconvenience.
Ultimately, the bandh had minimal impact on the city’s routine, with commercial and financial sectors, educational institutions, and public transport functioning normally.
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