Karnataka Bandh Live Updates: Heightened Security Amid Statewide Shutdown Call by Pro-Kannada Groups

Karnataka Bandh News Today: A string of elaborate security measures are in place following Kannada Okkuta which is an umbrella group that includes a range of pro-Kannada groups, demanded 12 hours of a nationwide Karnataka Bandh today in protest of the alleged assault of the conductor of a state-owned bus in Belagavi.

The March 22 Karnataka bandh, scheduled to be on from 6 am until 6 pm it was announced on February 28, to protest the incident in which the bus conductor was attacked because he did not speak Marathi the issue has for years caused tension in Karnataka as well as Maharashtra.

The deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar declared on Thursday that the government of the state will not back the bandh.

Bangalore Bandh Live Updates Here

When the bandh comes into the effect of today could impact students of CBSE as well as ICSE who will be taking their tests today. SSLC exams started on Friday and 10th grade students could be required to show for their exams on a Saturday. In addition, CBSE Class 12 students are scheduled to take exams on their Political Science exam, while ISC students are required to take home Science Paper 1 (Theory).

A few Kannada activists stopped the showing of an Marathi film on Friday evening in Belagavi in a state-wide bandh that is being declared in Karnataka. The screening of the film "Follower," which was released on Friday both in Belagavi and Maharashtra was stopped at the INOX theater in the Camp region, as per The Times of India.

Different groups, such as groups representing farmers' organizations as well as labour unions and drivers' associations are being urged to join the bandh. The announcement of the bandh was made at a gathering that was led by Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj.