Cauvery dispute: Shutdown in Tamil Nadu should be peaceful, says M.B. Patil

Karnataka Water Resources Minister M.B. Patil on Friday asserted that the statewide shutdown called by various trade organisations and farmer associations in Tamil Nadu should be peaceful and added that it is the state's government's responsibility to ensure safety and security of people.

"Supreme Court is right, we have to control the bandhs and the respective states should ensure safety of the citizens, whether it is Kannadigas or tamilians. It's the law of the land, it's our duty and we are doing it. The bandh in Tamil Nadu has to be peaceful," Patil said.

Patil added that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa appealing to ensure safety of Kannadigas during the protest in Friday.

The Supreme Court yesterday expressed its dismay over people taking the law into their own hands, and insisted that the state authorities take immediate preventive action.

The top court has also asked the counsels of both states to go through the petition and file their responses by September 20.

Situation pacified in Bengaluru, a day of after uneasy calm prevailed in the city, following large-scale violence over Cauvery water sharing row with Tamil Nadu.

Curfew, imposed late on Monday night, was lifted in 16 police station limits of the city on Wednesday.

However, prohibitory orders are still in place.

All political parties, except the ruling AIADMK, have extended support to the bandh.

State transport corporation buses, suburban trains and cab services will keep the traffic flowing, ensuring commuters get to work.