Cauvery protests: 15,000 policemen deployed in Bengaluru

Sporadic violence broke out here and in some other parts of Karnataka amid the raging Cauvery water sharing row, with the Siddaramaiah government asking Tamil Nadu to protect Kannadigas and assuring to safeguard Tamils in the state. 

 

Trucks with Tamil Nadu registration numbers were either stoned or set on fire in Bengaluru, Mandya, Mysuru, Chitradurga and Dharwad districts as Kannada activists gave vent to their anger over alleged attacks on state vehicles and property of Kannadigas in the neighbouring state.

Karnataka Director General of Police Om Prakash said the situation was tense but under control. 

 

The violence also flared up shortly after the Supreme Court, modifying its September 5 order, today asked Karnataka to release a reduced amount of 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery River water to Tamil Nadu till September 20. 

 

In its September five order, the apex court had directed release of 15,000 cusecs for 10 days to ameliorate the plight of farmers of the neighbouring state, which had triggered strong protests from farmers and pro-Kannada outfits with Karnataka observing a bandh against it on September nine. 

 

At least six Tamil Nadu trucks were set on fire or stoned and a Chennai-based mobile shop and two hotels were attacked in Bengaluru, police said, as activists of different pro-Kannada outfits took to the streets. 

 

Various cars and other vehicles have been burned in Jayanagar, KR Puram, MG Road and HSR Layout. Tyres were set alight on in BTM and Hosur. 

 

Bengaluru police said prohibitory orders had not been imposed in any part of the city and asked people not to pay heed to rumours. 

 

Elaborate security arrangements are in place in the city with 15,000 policemen being deployed. 

 

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Karnataka State Reserve Police, City Armed Reserve Police, Rapid Action Force, Quick Reaction Teams, special forces, Central Industrial Security Force and Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force and 3000 home guards are also on duty. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called an emergency cabinet meeting tomorrow. 

 

In Mandya district, the main epicentre of the Cauvery agitation, two trucks were set ablaze and the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway was blocked after the Supreme court order came out. 

 

Police made a lathi charge to disperse a violent mob, which tried to loot some shops. 

 

Several vehicles with Tamil Nadu registration number were damaged on Bengaluru-Mysuru highway, police said. Incidents of Tamil Nadu trucks becoming the target of stoning were reported also from the districts of Mysuru, Chitradurga and Dharwad. 

 

Voicing concern over violence against Kannada speaking people and their properties in Tamil Nadu over the past two days, Siddaramaiah wrote to his counterpart Jayalalithaa to ensure adequate safety and protection for Kannada speaking people in Tamil Nadu. 

 

"You would agree that the incidents of violence against Kannada speaking people that are being reported from Tamil Nadu would incite passions threatening peace in our state, which all of us should prevent," Siddaramiah said. 

 

Siddaramaiah said his government was firmly committed to maintaining law and order in the state and had taken "utmost" precaution to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, particularly Tamil speaking people, in the state. 

 

 

 

Speaking to reporters earlier, Siddaramaiah said he would also speak to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, if necessary, on the incidents targeting Kannadigas. 

 

The state Chief Secretary and Director General of Police had spoken to their Tamil Nadu counterparts and asked them to ensure stern action against the culprits and to see that such incidents do not recur, Siddaramaiah said. 

 

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said police forces had been deployed in areas where Tamils live in large numbers in Bengaluru and elsewhere in Karnataka. 

 

"We have taken precautions", he said. 

 

Suspected pro-Tamil protesters today attacked and damaged a hotel run by a native of Karnataka in Chennai, damaging its window panes using iron rods and wooden logs. 

 

Seven tourist vehicles bearing Karnataka registration parked at a temple in Rameswaram were damaged allegedly by activists of various outfits including Naam Tamizhar Iyakkam. 

 

In Mandya, G Madegowda, President of Cauvery Rythara Hitha Rakshana Samithee, that is spearheading the agitation, said "the Supreme Court has not given us justice. We cannot expect justice from the court. The only option to get justice is to intensify the agitation," he said. 

 

Throughout Mandya district, activists of different organisations took out rallies or held dharnas and road blockades to protest against the modified Supreme Court order. Security has been tightened around Krishnaraja Sagar dam and prohibitory orders around it extended till September 26.