24 Jan 2018 | 04:12 PM UTC
India: General strike planned in Karnataka state Jan. 25
Various organizations plan state-wide general strike (bandh) in Karnataka for January 25; government offices and schools to close, transportation services largely unaffected
Event
Organizations and farmers affiliated with the Kannada ethnic group are planning to hold a state-wide general strike (bandh) in Karnataka state on Thursday, January 25. Government offices and most schools will be closed throughout the state, particularly in the state capital of Bengaluru. Some areas of the state may experience transportation disruptions due to protests. However, transportation authorities in Bengaluru announced that services, including bus and metro, will remain open. Taxi services also announced that they will operate as normal. According to media reports, the strike is expected to be particularly intense in Hubballi and other northern districts.
Context
The Kannada organizations, along with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are calling for Prime Minster Narendra Modi to intervene in the ongoing Mahadayi river water dispute with Goa state. Karnataka state officials are asking for additional water to be transferred from Goa to improve drinking water supplies in the northern districts of Hubballi, Belagavi, and Gadag. Another state-wide bandh is planned for February 4.
Advice
Individuals in Karnataka state are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and allow additional time for travel.
