Bengaluru Bandh: In the wake of the statewide Karnataka Bandh over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute, 44 flights have been cancelled at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru on September 29, Friday. Of the total 44 cancelled flights, 22 arrivals and 22 departures have been impacted due to operational issues. All the passengers have been notified about the cancellation of their flights, KIA said in a statement.
Karnataka bandh | 44 flights including 22 arrivals and 22 departures have been cancelled today: PRO, Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
— ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2023
With the support of over 1,900 affiliated associations, this bandh is expected to result in the closure of non-essential establishments such as grocery stores. Moreover, major cab aggregators like Ola and Uber have extended their support for the bandh, with several drivers expected to participate in the associated rallies and demonstrations. However, essential services such as hospitals, ambulance services, and pharmacies will continue to operate uninterrupted. On the other hand, to accommodate the Karnataka Bandh, Deputy Commissioner of Police B Dayananda announced the closure of all schools and colleges in Bengaluru on September 29.
Speaking to reporters on the Cauvery water sharing issue, Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan said, “We will again demand the release of 5000 cusecs of water from Karnataka…We will appeal to the Supreme Court and they will direct the Karnataka government.”
Farmers’ association in Tamil Nadu’s Trichy stage protest by standing in Cauvery water. Members of the farmers’ association in Karnataka’s Mandya hold ‘Rail Roko’ protest.
#WATCH Karnataka: Members of pro-Kannada organisation stage protest in a unique way over the Cauvery water issue, in Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/XcgKnKFHPc
— ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2023
200 Protestors Detained, Section 144 Imposed
Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Police have detained more than 200 demonstrators affiliated with pro-Kannada organizations. Protestors have been taken into custody in multiple locations, including the airport and the vicinity of Attibele, positioned on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border. The authorities have enforced Section 144 in the city following the presence of over 2,000 pro-Kannada groups protesting the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. This restriction will remain in effect until Saturday at 12 am.
