Over 100 history-sheeters detained ahead of Karnataka bandh

More than a hundred history-sheeters were detained in the wake of a Karnataka bandh on Saturday. The bandh was called by pro-Kannada organisations, led by Vatal Nagraj group.

Bengaluru (Karnataka): More than a hundred history-sheeters were detained in the wake of a Karnataka bandh called by pro-Kannada organisations on Saturday, according to the DCP (West), Bengaluru.

The bandh was called by pro-Kannada organisations, led by Vatal Nagraj group, against the state government's decision to form a Maratha Development Authority and allot it Rs 50 crore.

Meanwhile, people seemed cautious to step outside with metro stations wearing deserted looks in Bengaluru.

Yesterday, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had appealed to the groups not to call the bandh as it caused inconveniences to others.

"I promise to take all sections of society together," Yediyurappa said.

The Chief Minister further said he is making every effort to take all the communities along, underscoring that he is doing everything to give prominence to the Kannada language.

“I have already given prominence to Kannada and I am ready to do whatever is required to be done to make Kannada prominent,” he was quoted as saying by 'Proposed bandh for Kannada pride.'

The pro-Kannada organizations on Friday reiterated their stand on holding the bandh on Saturday, demanding that the government withdraw its decision to form the MDA.

Vatal Nagaraj, who will be leading the agitation, said the proposed bandh is for Kannada pride and accused the state government of threatening various organizations to withdraw support to the bandh.

"I want to tell Yediyurappa -- You withdraw the ''Authority'' (MDA), I will garland you at the Vidhana Soudha. But don't threaten us. We will not get scared of it," he said in Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, security has been heightened across the state to ward off any untoward incident and prevent forcible closure of shops and commercial establishments. Around 14,000 policemen will be deployed in the state to prevent any unpleasant event.

Government offices, hotels, bus services, and metro services will remain open during the bandh.

(ANI)