Asia Press Agency

Tag: schools closed

  • Bengaluru Schools Closed Amid Protests Over Cauvery River

    Bengaluru Schools Closed Amid Protests Over Cauvery River

    Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, witnessed disruptions in daily life as protests over the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu escalated. On Monday, September 25, Bengaluru’s Deputy Commissioner, K.A. Dayananda, announced that all schools in the city would remain closed on Tuesday, September 26, due to a “Bengaluru bandh” called by certain farmers’ organizations.

     

    The protests are a response to the ongoing Cauvery river water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The release of Cauvery water has long been a contentious issue, leading to tensions between the two states. As a result, some farmers’ groups and organizations in Karnataka called for a shutdown, which received support from the private school union.

     

    In response to the planned protests and bandh, Bengaluru city police imposed Section 144 citywide, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people and any protests, processions, or bandhs. The police emphasized that these restrictions are in accordance with instructions from the Supreme Court and High Court. Additional security forces were deployed to maintain law and order during the bandh.

     

    The protests are expected to disrupt transportation services in the city. Both the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) workers’ unions extended their support to the bandh. The KSRTC Staff and Workers Federation urged employees not to operate buses in the city from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 26. Consequently, commuters may face difficulties in accessing public transportation services.

     

    Adding to the disruptions, the Ola and Uber Drivers and Owners Association have also extended their support to the bandh, announcing that their services will not be available in the city during the protest.

     

    Beyond the immediate impact on transportation and daily life, several Kannada outfits under the banner ‘Kannada Okkuta,’ led by Kannada activists Vatal Nagaraj, have called for a state-wide bandh on September 29. This state-wide bandh is expected to further affect routine activities and could lead to additional challenges for residents and businesses.

     

    Despite the disruptions and the escalation of protests, the ruling Congress in Karnataka has asserted that it will present the state’s case more forcefully in the Supreme Court and does not intend to curtail planned agitations over the inter-state river dispute. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized that the government will not suppress the protests, acknowledging the importance of allowing people to express their opinions and concerns in a democracy.

     

    The ongoing dispute over the sharing of Cauvery river water highlights the challenges of managing inter-state water resources in India. It also underscores the need for a balanced approach that considers the interests of all stakeholders while maintaining law and order to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens affected by such disputes.

  • Punjab Schools to Close in Support of Statewide Strike

    Punjab Schools to Close in Support of Statewide Strike

    The state administration of Punjab has announced the closure of all schools on August 9, 2023, in solidarity with a statewide strike called by the Dalit and Christian communities against ethnic violence and the mistreatment of women in Manipur.

     

    The Dalit and Christian groups have collaborated to organize a bandh (strike) on August 9 to draw attention to urgent concerns related to ethnic violence and gender-based atrocities. The Christian Brotherhood, in a press conference at the Jalandhar Press Club, launched the Manipur Insaf Morcha to formalize the upcoming strike, as reported by TOI.

     

    Surjit Thapar, President of Manipur Insaaf Morcha, outlined the strategy for the statewide strike, specifying that the movement will be observed from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on August 9.

     

    Recognizing the potential for disruptions and prioritizing the safety of children, the state authorities have decided to keep schools closed on the day of the strike. This step aims to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the safety of students.

     

    The trigger for this protest was a disturbing incident captured on video on May 4. The video depicted the public humiliation of two women from different communities in Manipur, who were forced to parade naked by a group of men. This deeply distressing act sparked widespread outrage across the nation.

     

    The bandh movement is a response to the broader issue of ongoing ethnic tensions that ignited in Manipur on May 3. The unrest began after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March,’ organized by hill districts, countered the Meitei community’s plea for Scheduled Tribe (ST) classification. With over 160 fatalities and numerous injuries, the call for a bandh resonates as a powerful plea for justice and increased awareness.

     

    In response to the prolonged ethnic clashes, the Central government has deployed 800 additional security personnel to Manipur. The state has been grappling with severe ethnic tensions for almost 100 days, as reported by Hindustan Times.

     

    Adding to the challenges faced by Manipur’s Chief Minister, there is an “indefinite social boycott” imposed by Meitei’s outfit and the Kuki People’s Alliance.

     

    Presently, approximately 125 paramilitary forces units and 164 columns of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have been deployed in Manipur to address the turmoil. Manipur police have clarified that reports of looting of arms and ammunition from different police stations and armouries on August 5 were “misleading.” Security forces have been actively conducting raids in both hill and valley areas to recover looted arms and ammunition. The statewide strike and the associated concerns highlight the urgent need for justice, peace, and the protection of citizens in Manipur.