Cauvery protests: Rajnath assures full assistance to K'taka, TN

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday assured full assistance to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Governments to deal with the current state of violence that is prevailing in both the states over the Cauvery water issue.

Singh has assured assistance to both Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to tackle the present state of unrest.

Meanwhile, in wake of the protests erupting over the Cauvery issue, Jayalalithaa has written to Siddaramaiah, requesting him to ensure safety and security of Tamilians residing in Karnataka.

With protests escalating in the wake of Cauvery water dispute that escalated between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the Bengaluru Police today imposed Section 144 of the CRPC, meaning that no more than five people will be allowed to gather in public places in the city.

A massive violence broke out today in parts of the city as several trucks, school buses and bus stands were seen being set on fire by the pro-Kannada protestors in West Bengaluru.

This afternoon, protesters targeted vehicles bearing Tamil Nadu registration numbers and set them on fire. They also vandalised trucks near Hubli bypass in Karnataka.

Meanwhile, saying "we will fight it legally", Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has requested pro-Kannada activists and farmers associations to maintain peace.

"Our appeal is if you are protesting, please protest peacefully. We know that injustice has been done to Karnataka. We have deployed sufficient amount of police force. We have got support from Centre," Parameshwara said.

He also informed that 10 companies of CRPF and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been sent.

"We have also requested for 10 more companies from the Centre. Tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called emergency Cabinet meet to discuss Cauvery issue," he said.

Siddaramaiah has also appealed for peace and has written to his counterpart in Tamil Nadu, urging her to ensure the safety of Kannada speaking people living in the state. He also urged the Tamil Nadu authorities to take action against those indulging in violence.

Modifying its September 5 order, the apex court today asked the Government of Karnataka to release to release 12000 cusecs of Cauvery River water every day to Tamil Nadu till September 20.

It had earlier directed the Government of Karnataka to release of 15,000 cusecs of water for 10 days as immediate relief to farmers in Tamil Nadu.