Bandh evokes poor response in Hubli-Dharwad

Bandh evokes poor response in Hubli-Dharwad
Newindpress.com

HUBLI: The Hubli-Dharwad bandh called by Ahind Federation to protest against the removal of former deputy chief minister S Siddaramaiah and two ministers from the Janata Dal (S), evoked poor response, on Wednesday.

Most of the shops and business establishments in Vidyanagar, Gokul, Keshwapur, KC circle, Station road, Koppikar road, Broadway, CBT and many other areas remained open. Initially, a few shops downed shutters, but they opened in the afternoon.

Members of some organisations took out separate processions from Ambedkar circle and burnt effigy of JD (S) supremo H D Deve Gowda at KC circle, raising slogans against him for ousting Siddaramaiah and ministers Jarakiholi and Dr H C Mahadevappa.

Movement of vehicles and traffic remained unaffected and people moved about freely. North-West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation buses plied within city and between Hubli-Dharwad as usual.

Bendre Transport service withdrew its buses till evening fearing being targeted by the protestors during the bandh.

Schools, colleges and some government offices remained closed in Hubli and Dharwad since holiday was declared by authorities on Wednesday on account of Nagarpanchami.

Banks, financial institutions, post offices and other Central Government offices functioned normally.

The bandh passed off peacefully with no reports of any untoward incidents. Elaborate police security arrangements were made in all places especially in sensitive areas.

Attempts by protestors to forcibly close down shops in some areas of Hubli and Dharwad were foiled by the police. Narayan Nadamani, Police Commissioner, DCP Ravikanthe Gouda and other senior police officers monitored the security arrangements.