Following the developments, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had discussed the matter with his Karnataka counterpart Siddaramaiah.
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“You would agree that incidents of violence against Kannada speaking people which are being reported from Tamil Nadu would incite passion and threaten peace in our state, which all of us should prevent”, he added.
With protests escalating in the wake of Cauvery water dispute that escalated between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the Bengaluru Police today imposed Section 144 of the CRPC, meaning that no more than five people will be allowed to gather in public places in the city.
The missive came following reports that suspected pro-Tamil protesters attacked and damaged a hotel run by a native of Karnataka in Chennai, using iron rods and wooden logs.
Pointing out that Kannadigas live in Chennai also, the note said, if the attacks on Tamils continued, then the Karnataka establishments here would be targetted.
Buses were stopped from heading to Tamil Nadu and police jeeps were positioned along the border to warn vehicles against entering that state.
Kerala Transport Minister A K Saseendran said in view of the serious situation prevailing in Karnataka, Kerala government has chose to temporarily cancel the services of state-run Kerala Road Transport Corporation buses.
“We have intensified security and stepped up vigil in Bengaluru to ensure peace and maintain law and order”. Siddaramaiah said he would also speak to Union home minister Rajnath Singh, if necessary, on the incidents targetting Kannadigas. Three cases of vehicles being set ablaze were also reported in the neighbouring Mysuru city.
The youth was allegedly beaten up by culprits as he had questioned Kannada film stars for protesting over Cauvery issue.
Widespread violence broke out in southern Karnataka on Monday over the apex court order to release Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu, with angry Kannadiga protesters torching over 30 buses of a Tamil-owned bus depot in Bengaluru.
“I appeal to the people, especially the protesters not to attack anyone or damage public property, including buses, cars and transport vehicles”, he reiterated.
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Karnataka had filed an interim petition Saturday seeking modification of the apex court’s September 5 order. A few of them carrying brooms raised slogans against the Karnataka government for objecting to release of “due share” of the Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and for failing to protect Tamil people in Karnataka. “Unless an order is modified, citizens and governments are obliged to comply with it”.
