• Source:JND
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Karnataka Bandh: Pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj has called for a state-wide bandh in Karnataka on Saturday, March 22, in response to the ongoing Kannada-Marathi language dispute. The decision follows an incident in Belagavi on February 22, where a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus driver and conductor were allegedly attacked by a group of youths over a language-related argument. The bandh will be in effect from 6 AM to 6 PM, and several public services, including transport and businesses, may be disrupted.

Kannada Okkoota, an umbrella organisation of pro-Kannada groups, confirmed on Tuesday that the bandh will proceed as planned. While factions such as the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, led by T A Narayana Gowda and Praveen Shetty, have not supported the shutdown, several transport associations, including the Ola and Uber Owners and Drivers Association, along with some private bus and autorickshaw unions, have extended their support. Additionally, some malls in Bengaluru may remain closed on the day of the bandh.

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Why Is Karnataka Bandh?

The bandh aims to protest the alleged mistreatment of Kannadigas in Belagavi and the assault on the bus conductor for not speaking Marathi. Activists are calling for the banning of the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti in Karnataka and want members of Shiv Sena to be prohibited from entering the state.

Karnataka Bandh Timings

The bandh will be observed from 6 AM to 6 PM, with Nagaraj stating, "Entire Karnataka will be shut down on Saturday. No drivers should operate their vehicles on the day of the bandh. It is a matter of self-esteem and respect for the drivers in the state." He also urged people to refrain from using the Metro during the bandh in protest against fare hikes. Various groups, including farmers' organisations, labour unions and drivers' associations, have been encouraged to participate in the protest.

The incident that sparked this unrest involved a girl and a boy on the bus who threatened the conductor and driver due to their inability to speak Marathi. They later called in accomplices who attacked the conductor, resulting in his hospitalisation due to internal injuries. Following the assault, police arrested four individuals. The girl involved claimed that the conductor had made inappropriate remarks and threatened her.

Karnataka News: Self-Respect March

Alongside the bandh, a self-respect march is scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM from Freedom Park. While no official statements have been made about the impact on metro services, essential services, including hospitals, will continue to operate as normal during the bandh.

 

Karnataka Bandh: What To Expect

Transport Services Likely to Be Affected

The Karnataka bandh has gained support from the Ola, Uber Owners and Drivers Association, along with several auto-rickshaw unions. According to a report by The Indian Express, these unions have pledged their support, which could lead to disruptions in cab and auto services.

Hotels And Film Industry Extend Support

Representatives from the hotel and film industries have also expressed solidarity with the bandh. However, they have not specified the extent of their participation or how their operations might be affected.

Impact On Schools And Colleges

There is no official confirmation yet regarding the closure of educational institutions. However, the timing of the bandh has raised concerns among students, particularly as it coincides with examination schedules.

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