Protestors arrested, released later

Mandya: The Mandya bandh, which was called to urge the Government for a permanent ban on mining and stone quarrying in 20 km radius of Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya District and supported by various organisations received poor response yesterday. The bandh was called by Cauvery-KRS Ulivigagi Janandolana Samithi.

While members of various farmer organisations and pro Kannada organisations staged a protest, almost all the shops except in Pete Beedhi were open and traffic on almost all roads were normal. The members of various organisations were seen asking shop owners to close the shops and support the bandh. A bike rally was also taken on Pete Beedhi, Guttalu Road, Ambedkar Road and V.V. Road in support of the bandh.

As members of various organisations came forward to take out a protest march from Silver Jubilee Park, the Police arrested more than 50 persons. Leaders Prof. G.T. Veerappa, Kempegowda, Shambhunahalli Suresh, Guruprasad Keragodu, B.M. Nagannagowda, Krishna and others were also arrested and were later released on bail.