Karnataka - Bijapur   

Motorists agitated after rasta roko

Staff Correspondent

Public sceptical about today's bandh

BIJAPUR: Tempers ran high at the Ambedkar Chowk here on Thursday owing to a scuffle between the public and those who resorted to a rasta roko as part of the ongoing agitation seeking implementation of Rs. 202-crore project for filling 97 minor irrigation tanks by pumping water from the Krishna and the Bhima.

The indefinite hunger strike launched at Horthi hobli in Indi taluk entered the 27th day on Thursday.

In Bijapur, hundreds of members from different slum organisations carried out protest march in support of the agitation.

Traffic went haywire when they resorted to the rasta roko at Gandhi Chowk and held procession on the main streets. Later, they again blocked traffic at Ambedkar Chowk by squatting on road.

Some women activists even manhandled those who tried to breach the blockade even as few constables on duty remained mute spectators.

Many motorists who came there without knowing of the blockade, had to face their wrath.

Meanwhile, public appear to be sceptical about the bandh call given by Bijapur Zilla Kere Neeru Thumbuva Yojane Horata Samiti, which has been spearheading the agitation, on Friday because it is coming just a day after the observance of the Karnataka bandh.

Some merchant organisations have already registered protest with the samiti leaders for calling the bandh. Following this, the samiti has decided not to force closure of either commercial establishments or educational institutions on Friday.

According to samiti convener, Basavaraj Kumbar, a rally will be held at Ambedkar Chowk after taking out a procession from Siddeshwar Temple premises.

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