Mixed response for shutdown over Amarnath shrine issue in Karnataka

The nation-wide shutdown called by pro-Hindu groups over the Amarnath Shrine Board land transfer issue elicited a mixed response in BJP-ruled Karnataka yesterday.

Though the bandh evoked little response in Bangalore, where Government offices functioned normally and public transport buses plied as usual, normalcy was affected in different parts of the state like Mysore, Chitradurga, Hubli-Dharwad, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kodagu.

Shops and business establishments, besides schools and colleges remained closed on Thursday in many parts of the State, where Sangh Parivar volunteers went around downing shutter of business establishments. Public transport buses were stoned at various places in the State including Bangalore.

Though the BJP Government in Karnataka kept away from the nation-wide shutdown called by VHP and Bajrang Dal, BJP’s state unit extended support to the bundh with MLA and party’s state unit Secretary C T Ravi calling upon the people to voluntarily extend their support and participate in the shutdown in a peaceful manner.

Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Visveshwar Hegde Kageri clarified that no holiday had been declared for schools. But, the Government had instructed deputy directors of public instruction in various districts of the state to take an appropriate decision based on the situation in their jurisdiction. But, schools and colleges in many parts of the State declared a holiday yesterday.

Home Minister V S Acharya said all Government offices would function as usual and state transport corporation buses will also ply normally. However, measures will be taken to ensure that no untoward incidents take place, he said.

Karnataka’s Director General of Police R Srikumar said adequate security measures were in place to ensure that peace is not disturbed.
Senior police officials said democratic protests will be allowed, but necessary protection will also be given to people, who seek the same. Additional security measures had been taken in sensitive areas of Bangalore and other parts of the State.