Bengaluru: The call for Bharat Bandh issued by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha on Monday September 27 demanding the removal of farm bills, appears to have had minimal influence on daily life in Bengaluru.
As per the reports, all businesses were open, and public transport service, such as autorickshaws and taxis, were functioning as usual.
Trade and transport associations had expressed moral support for the bandh call, but refused to shut down their businesses, citing losses experienced as a result of the Covid.
The day also saw farmers and Kannada organisations holding rallies in various parts of Bengaluru – KR Puram, Mysuru Road, Maurya Circle after which they marched to Freedom Park for a protest rally. Farmer organisations also organised a ‘Rasta Roko’ on major national and State roadways.
According to the reports, farmers have expressed their displeasure with police detaining farmer leaders and protestors at several locations in Bengaluru. Kuruburu Shantakumar, State President of the Confederation of Farmers’ Associations was arrested and taken to the Adugodi Police station while leading a protest at Maurya Circle.
According to a senior police official, farmers got permission to stage a rally from Town Hall to Freedom Park, but instead commenced rallies in other parts of Bengaluru. Though farmers staged protest from various regions, it was also noticeable that pro-farmer organisations joined by a number of other social and political groups held protest in front of Town Hall in Bengaluru.
The Karnataka government had put in place elaborate security measures to ensure that there is no untoward incident or disturbance to daily activities, during the ‘Bharat Bandh’ called by farmer unions on Monday to protest against the Centre’s three farm bills.
The bandh had a lukewarm response in practically all districts, including Dakshina Kannada and Shivamogga.
Bengaluru cop injured after SUV runs over his leg
Dharmendra Kumar Meena, a Bengaluru Police DCP (North), was injured after an SUV ran over his leg near Goraguntepalya in the City during the Bharath Bandh.
According to police officials, the injured DCP was given first-aid on the spot and is currently on his path to recovery. The car has been seized, and the driver has been arrested.
Image courtesy G. Mohan & Ramachandra Bhat
