Pro-Kannada groups in Karnataka have declared a statewide bandh (shutdown) on March 22, from 6 am to 6 pm, for a total duration of 12 hours. The bandh is organized by Kannada Okkoota as a response to a reported attack on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor in Belagavi.
Background Of The Incident
It is alleged that the attack was provoked by pro-Marathi groups due to the conductor’s reluctance to speak Marathi thus reigniting linguistic tensions which have been a historical point of issue in the border region.
Demands Of The Protesters
The organizers have outlined several key demands:
- Prohibiting Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) and other pro-Marathi groups operating in Karnataka.
- Creating an environment where Kannada-speaking people feel safer, especially those belonging to border regions such as Belagavi.
- Opposing the proposed division of Bengaluru into multiple administrative zones, which they fear could impact Kannada culture
Historical Context
The ongoing conflict between the Kannada-speaking and Marathi-speaking people with roots in the decades long border dispute with Maharashtra since the formation of the state in 1960. Maharashtra has claimed ownership of 865 villages including Belagavi, Karwar, and Nippani, while Karnataka has rejected all of the territorial claims.
Expected Impact In Bengaluru And Across Karnataka
- Transportation services may face significant disruption as KSRTC and BMTC employees have expressed support for the bandh.
- Ola, Uber, and auto-rickshaw services might be limited as their associations have pledged support.
- Educational institutions face uncertainty with the bandh coinciding with examination schedules.
- Hotel and film industry representatives have backed the protest, though specific operational impacts remain unclear.
There has been no official confirmation regarding the closure of schools, colleges, or government offices during the shutdown period.
