Mysore, July 5 (MRS,RK&KMC)- Commercial activities and financial transactions came to a standstill as the city responded to the nationwide call for Bharat Bandh since morning today protesting against the hike in fuel prices.
Life was thrown out of gear as all the shops, business establishments, educational institutions and even quasi-government offices remained closed.
Buses, both KSRTC and private and autorickshaws stayed off the roads since early morning. All the goods and public transport vehicles too went off the road in support of the bandh. The City and Sub-Urban Bus Stands wore a totally deserted look with no buses parked since the KSRTC had routed all the buses back to their respective depots as a precautionary measure.
Most of the government and quasi-government establishments wore a deserted look due to thin attendance. Banks and financial institutions did not operate.
However, several petty shops, fruits and flower vendors remained open in the extensions and residential areas. Road-side eateries and petty shops were seen doing brisk business in the morning, since hotels and restaurants downed shutters.
Most of the choultries that had been booked for weddings were found to be bereft of the usual hustle-bustle of a social function, since several invitees failed to turn up owing to lack of public transport vehicles.
Elaborate Police bandobust was provided all over the city, especially at the sensitive areas. A total of 500 Police personnel, 6 KSRP, 500 CAR personnel, 50 Mounted Policemen, 100 RAF personnel and nearly 200 officers were led by 3 DCPs.
BJP Yuva Morcha activists detained the Bangalore-bound train for five minutes.
Life seemed to be normal in remote residential areas with shops doing business as usual. Autorickshaws too operated in these areas though the passengers were very few.
Zoo closed
The City Zoo too remained closed today on account of the bandh, causing lot of disappointment among the tourists in city, especially for those who have come from northern India. Several tourists were seen flocking the Zoo entrance and pleading with the officials to let them in. The Zoo will remain closed tomorrow too – the usual weekly closure on Tuesdays.
Similarly, entry into the Palace was also restricted, much to the disappointment of the tourists.
About 30 BJP activists who attempted to close down the Zilla Panchayat office in city, were chased away by the Police.
Bandh peaceful in State
Bangalore, July 5 (MRS)- The Bharat bandh in the State was peaceful and total, barring some stray incidents of stone-throwing.
Shobha among MLAs arrested
Bangalore, July 5 (MRS)- About 25 MLAs staged a protest at Basaveswara Circle here today against the fuel price hike. MLA & former Minister Shobha Karandlaje, who led the protest, was among the MLAs who were arrested by the Police.
BJP waves placards, Assembly adjourned
Bangalore, July 5 (MRS)- The Speaker, K.G. Bopaiah, had to adjourn the Assembly for the day following heated exchange between BJP and Opposition MLAs.
The trouble started when BJP members waved placards with slogans against fuel price hike. Opposition party members objected, terming it as against norms, which led to wordy duel, forcing the adjournment of the House.
Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa was not present in the House. He was participating in a dharna at Mahatma Gandhi statue along with activists.
Courtesy : Star Of Mysore