Mangaluru/Udupi, Jan 25: The Karnataka bandh called by pro-Kannada organisations over the Mahadayi water sharing issue had little impact in twin coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi where normal life remaining unaffected on Thursday.
In Mangaluru city, a group of activists of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike tried to stage a 'rail roko' at the central railway station. They sat on the rails in protest and were removed by the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
As Karave activists came out of the station, there was a heated argument between them and Tulu Nadu Rakshana activists who protested against Karave's alleged derogatory statements against an Tulu Nadu activist John. They also demanded support for the 'Save Nethravathi' campaign.
Except buses of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), all other public transport services, including private city and service buses, goods vehicles, taxis and autorickshaws operated as usual. Business establishments, hotels and eateries functioned normally. Schools, colleges, offices of government and public sector undertakings too functioned routinely.
KSRTC’s decision to suspend even local services — city as well as inter-district — affected schoolchildren and employees who are entirely dependant upon them.
KSRTC Mangaluru Divisional Controller M. Deepak Kumar said most of the staff was from North Karnataka and initially hesitated to take the buses out. A dharna by KSRTC Staff and Workers Federation members too contributed to the disruption of services. After assessing the situation along with the district administration, services resumed by around 10.30 a.m., Mr. Kumar said.
Schools and colleges, business establishments and government offices functioned as usual in the region.
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