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An uneasy calm prevailed in the city this morning after the outbreak of violence over the issue of sharing Cauvery River waters with Tamil Nadu, as the Siddaramaiah government warned of “stringent” action against vandalism or attempts to disturb peace.
As the city police bolstered by central forces kept a tight vigil, particularly in areas inhabited by Tamils and other “sensitive” localities, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made a fresh appeal for peace.
In a video message to the people of the state, Siddaramaiah warned of stringent action against any act of vandalism or disturbance to peace.
“There is pain among Kannadigas that Karnataka has been facing repeated injustice over the Cauvery river water sharing issue.
“We are emotional on the issue of land, water and language, but we should not forget that humanity and human relationship within us is above all this,” he said.
Holding that the attack on Kannadigas and their properties in Tamil Nadu is “condemnable”, he said, “At this time of difficulty we should not allow anger to take over.
“People of both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu should cooperate in maintaining law and order in both states. I would also warn of strict action against anyone indulging in any kind of vandalism or disturbing peace,” he said.
One person was killed and another injured in police firing in the country’s IT capital yesterday after the sudden eruption of widespread violence, escalating tensions between the two states, now locked in a bitter tussle over release of Cauvery water.
As the orgy of violence targeting Tamil Nadu buses and lorries and other vehicles kept the city on edge, night curfew was imposed in 16 police station limits late last night and the entire city is under prohibitory orders till September 14.
Elaborate security arrangements are in place with 15,000 policemen being deployed, besides the Karnataka State Reserve Police, the City Armed Reserve Police, Rapid Action Force, Quick Reaction Teams, special forces, Central Industrial Security Force and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force.
In view of the tense situation, the Centre has also rushed 10 companies (about 1,000 personnel) of the special anti-riot paramilitary force RAF to Karnataka after the Chief Minister spoke to Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
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