Chamarajnagara: The Karnataka bandh, organized by several pro-Kannada groups, has received significant support in the district. The demand to withhold Cauvery water from Tamil Nadu under all circumstances, citing potential harm to Karnataka’s farmers, remains firm. In response, Karnataka witnessed a statewide strike today, with various organizations venting their frustration regarding the perceived indifference of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Tamil Nadu counterpart towards environmental concerns.
Amidst the ongoing protests, farmers in Chamaranagara displayed their anger by ripping apart posters of the Tamil film “Chandramukhi 2.” They invaded the Siddhartha Cinema premises in Chamarajanagar city and dismantled the movie poster, despite police attempts to intervene. In a symbolic act of protest, the demonstrators then covered the torn poster with paint.
In addition to their protests, some demonstrators went on to block the highway near Bhuvaneshwari Circle and Somwarpet in the city, making an attempt to ignite tires. The police intervened promptly to prevent these actions. In response to this intervention, protesters at Bhuvaneshwari Circle expressed their frustration by taking to the streets.
Meanwhile, in Somwarpet, a farmer, in an act of desperation, initially attempted to pour petrol on himself but was stopped by the police. Subsequently, he staged a symbolic suicide attempt by using a towel to tie around his neck, leading to a medical emergency. The police quickly responded by transporting him to the hospital in a police vehicle.
A robust police presence has been set up at the Punjanur checkpoint, located near the Chamarajanagar border. The check post was inspected by DC Shilpa Nag.
The District Tamil Sangh expressed its solidarity with the Karnataka bandh by offering its support. Office bearers of the association, along with Tamil residents in the district, actively took part in the protest.
Jagadish, the secretary of the Tamil Sangh, stated, “We are experiencing a shortage of drinking water in our region. Given this situation, it is not appropriate for Tamil Nadu to request water. Despite our Tamil identity, we live in Karnataka, and we wholeheartedly endorse the bandh. People of Tamil origin throughout the district have actively joined the demonstration. We view Tamil Nadu’s request for water for the Kuruvai crop as unjust.
