Cauvery Row Protest: 44 Flights Affected, Schools Closed in Karnataka

Karnataka Bandh News Live Updates: The Karnataka Police have detained over 50 members of pro-Kannada organisations protesting over the Cauvery River water dispute near Bengaluru to maintain law and order amid the state-wide Bandh call.

Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru canceled a total of 44 flights scheduled for early Friday, including 22 incoming and 22 outgoing flights. Airport authorities attributed the cancellations to operational reasons and ensured passengers received timely notifications, but sources suggest the Karnataka Bandh led to ticket cancellations.

In Chikkamangalur, protesters on bikes entered petrol stations and demonstrated,including burning an effigy of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. In Bengaluru,authorities detained demonstrators and transported them to Freedom Park,while in Mandya,protesters initiated road blockades as part of their protest.

Protesters opposing to order of government to release Cauvery river water

‘Kannada Okkuta,’ a collective organization of pro-Kannada groups, declared a Karnataka Bandh opposing an order directing the Karnataka government to release Cauvery river water to neighboring Tamil Nadu.

The Bandh was scheduled to be in effect from 6 am to 6 pm on Friday. Bengaluru city police issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, restricting rallies, protests, or congregations of more than five people.

Pro-Kannada organizations were expected to defy these restrictions and take to the streets. More than 1,900 associations expressed support for the Bandh.

Non-essential shops, including grocery stores, were expected to remain closed throughout the state, including Bengaluru. Essential services such as hospitals, ambulances, and pharmacies continued to operate.

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses operated based on evolving circumstances. The status of inter-state bus services to Tamil Nadu remained uncertain.

Anticipated traffic congestion on major roads in Bengaluru, especially in the central business district and entry/exit points. Cab aggregators like Ola and Uber extended support to the Bandh and planned to participate in the protest. Auto-rickshaws were not in operation.

The Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association, representing 32 private transport unions, offered moral support for the Karnataka Bandh. The Karnataka Hotel Owners Association decided to close its operations statewide. The Karnataka Film Exhibitors Association announced the suspension of movie screenings until 6 pm across the state.

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