Udupi: Mixed response for Bharath bandh

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

• People were found playing cricket on many roads throughout the day

 

Udupi, 01 June 2012: Bharath bandh called by National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Left parties against the hike in petrol prices evoked mixed response across the district.

 

There were no major untoward incidents that were reported from anywhere in the district. However, protestors symbolically blocked roads at Kaup and Yermal in Padubidri for about five minutes.

 

The partial bandh observed in the district received lukewarm reactions from different strata in the society. Most of the areas in Kundapur taluk and Kaup observed total bandh. Areas like Byndoor, Gangolli, Shirva, Katpadi and many places in Karkala taluk witnessed partial bandh.

 

Except for government, service and city buses, almost all other modes of transport were available for the commuters. Bus stops wore a bare look. Service Bus stop in Udupi was converted into temporary cricket stadium and cricket matches were played from 9 am to 6.30 in the evening. In some places, people were seen playing cricket on the roads.

 

 

As buses kept off the roads, people dependent on public transport had tough time.

 

However, autorickshaws, taxis and private four wheelers and two wheelers were plying as usual.

 

Marriage and other celebrations went on without any obstacles and people had no difficulties as the services of taxis and autorickshaws were available.

 

Schools and colleges remained closed and most of the hospitals were available for health care services.

 

People had to face difficulty to certain extent as most of the retail outlets and vegetables shops were shut down. Medical shops and milk parlours were kept open. Government offices were open and witnessed shortage of attendance.

 

Speaking to SP Dr M B Boralingaiah said bandh was peaceful without any sort of untoward incidents reported in the district except for two symbolic road blocks at Kaup and Yermal in Padubidri. Incidents of forcible bandh are not reported in the district. It was uneventful, he added.

 

Bus services were resumed late in the evening.