Normal KSRTC service; no closure of schools

Hoteliers to offer only moral support

Mysuru: Mysuru is likely to witness a lukewarm response tomorrow during the 6 am to 6 pm Karnataka Bandh called by Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj against the directions of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to release water to Tamil Nadu.

While Vatal Nagaraj has asserted that the bandh will be held as scheduled, differences have emerged among various organisations over the proposed shutdown. Several pro-Kannada outfits and activists have maintained that it would not be appropriate to observe a bandh in the present situation.

‘Unilateral decision’

A preparatory meeting was held at Dr. Rajkumar Park in Mysuru this morning under the leadership of the Karnataka Kavalu Pade.

Leaders of several organisations, including Cauvery Kriya Samithi, Mysuru Kannada Vedike, Kannada Kranti Dal, Kannadaambe Rakshana Vedike, Raitha Parva, Mysuru Hrudayavanta Vedike, Janarigagi Seva Samiti, Nayakara Sangha and Rajkumar Kannada Sene, participated.

As no official directive has been issued for a complete bandh, the Mysuru-based organisations resolved to stage a symbolic protest instead of shutting down the city. They alleged that Vatal Nagaraj had announced the bandh unilaterally without taking them into confidence.

The Mysuru District Kannada Activists Association has also opposed the bandh. Association President B.A. Shivashankar said the Association would not support the shutdown and would instead stage a protest in front of the CADA office on Sayyaji Rao Road at 11 am tomorrow.

KSRTC buses to ply as usual

KSRTC bus services will operate normally tomorrow, with public transport vehicles running as per schedule, said KSRTC Rural Divisional Controller H.T. Veeresh.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Veeresh allayed concerns among commuters over possible cancellation of services. “There will be no interruption to bus services. We will operate all routes as per schedule,” he said.

The KSRTC management has sought security cover from local Police Stations to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the safety of passengers and buses. Buses will operate under adequate Police protection, he said.

Hoteliers to offer moral support only

The Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association has also decided not to support the bandh. In a press statement, Association President C. Narayanagowda said that as the hotel industry comes under the Essential Services Act, it would not be appropriate to support the bandh.

He said the hotel industry in Mysuru was already facing several challenges, including rising prices of essential commodities, and a bandh would further affect the industry.

Schools to remain open

Schools in Mysuru are also likely to remain open tomorrow, with the Karnataka Associated Managements of Schools (KAMS) withdrawing its earlier call for closure.

KAMS said the decision was taken as another holiday would further affect academic schedules, particularly in aided schools already facing a shortage of teachers.

The Association said academic activities had already been affected as teachers have been deputed for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.