Cauvery protests: K'taka HM expresses worry ahead of TN shutdown

Asserting that normalcy has returned to violence-hit Bengaluru, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday expressed apprehension over tomorrow's shut down in Tamil Nadu and hoped for a safe day in the Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa ruled-state.

Parameshwara said that he hopes that no untoward incident take place in Tamil Nadu.

"There's a bandh (shut down) in Tamil Nadu tomorrow; hope that no untoward incidents will happen in state. I hope people and their properties remain safe," said Parameshwara.

"Entire state is peaceful; life has come to normal in Bengaluru. No incidents reported in other parts of state," he added.

Parameshwara further said the Bengaluru Police have initiated investigations to identify the perpetrators who indulged in violence.

"Few organizations tried to stop trains, nearly 210 people arrested in various parts of state, including Bengaluru," he said.

Various trade organizations and farmer associations in Tamil Nadu have called for a statewide shutdown on Friday, to condemn the violence targeting Tamils in Karnataka and to seek a long-term solution for the Cauvery dispute.

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

Justice Deepak Misra observed that "it is the duty of states to see that no agitation and no damage take place. We expect the people from both states to maintain peace, harmony and above all dignity and respect for the law. We sincerely hope wisdom shall prevail over authorities in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu."

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 yesterday.

However, prohibitory orders are still in place.