Widepsread violence in Bangalore over Cauvery issue: Keralites stranded

Bangalore: Hundreds of Keralites employed in Bangalore, who were to travel to Kerala for Onam, are stranded in Bangalore following cancellation of bus services.

Ban orders have been issued in Bangalore for three days following widespread violence over Cauvery issue in the city and suburbs. Many vehicles belonging to people from Tamil Nadu including nearly 50 buses have been torched by protesters.

Karnataka Police did little to check violence or give protection to buses plying to Kerala or Tamil Nadu. Besides, the Bangalore-Mysore highway has been closed to traffic.  Central forces are being deployed to restore normalcy.

KSRTC and private bus operators running services from Kerala have cancelled all their services. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation said it would resume services only after the situation is brought under control.

Meanwhile, vehicles with Karnataka registration numbers have come under attack in Tamil Nadu. Shops belonging to Kannadigas in Chennai have also been attacked.