Bengaluru: Police urge peace ahead of August 13 'Karnataka Bandh', says city services to function normally
Bengaluru, August 12
The Bengaluru City Police have appealed for calm and cooperation ahead of the 'Karnataka Bandh' called for August 13, 2026, in protest against the Cauvery Water Management Authority's order on Cauvery water allocation to Tamil Nadu.
In a press note issued, the Commissioner of Police said several organisations have called for the bandh, while other organisations have informed police that they are not supporting it.
The Bengaluru City Police stated that they fully respect citizens' democratic right to protest peacefully within the law. At the same time, police said it is equally important to respect the right of other citizens to carry out daily activities without obstruction.
"All organisations and members of the public are requested to cooperate with the Bengaluru City Police in maintaining peace, public order and normalcy in the city," the note said.
Police warned that no individual or organisation should force, threaten or compel anyone to participate in the bandh, close shops, establishments or institutions, obstruct vehicular movement, or participate in protests against their will.
The department said any act involving violence, threats, damage to public or private property, obstruction of road traffic or essential services, or any other act of taking the law into one's own hands will be dealt with "firmly and appropriately in accordance with the law."
To ensure public safety and maintain law and order, the Bengaluru City Police have made precautionary and security arrangements across the city. Adequate police deployment, patrolling and security measures have been put in place at important and sensitive locations.
Police said schools and colleges, offices, shops and commercial establishments, public transport and other normal activities are expected to function as usual. Members of the public have been requested to continue daily activities without fear or apprehension.
"Bengaluru City has always demonstrated a spirit of peace, mutual respect and cooperation. In order to uphold this tradition, all members of organisations and the general public are requested to extend their full cooperation to the Bengaluru City Police and help ensure that the city remains peaceful, safe and normal," the Commissioner said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally a sensible approach! I work in a hospital and can't afford to take a day off. Patients need us. But I also feel for the farmers who are protesting for water. Hope the government resolves the Cauvery issue permanently. Water is precious for both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 🌊
I support the bandh in principle but not forcefully shutting down everything. The Cauvery water sharing has been a long-standing issue and people are frustrated. But forcing auto drivers, shopkeepers and IT employees to close down isn't right either. Peaceful protest is the way forward.
As someone who grew up in Bengaluru, I'm glad the police are taking a balanced approach. We can't let bandhs disrupt the city's IT ecosystem. But the government should also listen to the legitimate concerns of farmers in Mandya and Mysuru regions. Water is life for them. 🙏
The police note clearly states that they respect democratic rights but will act firmly against violence. This is exactly what a mature democracy should look like. However, I feel the CWMA order is biased. We've been sharing river water with TN for decades but our farmers suffer during drought years.
This is my first time experiencing a bandh after moving to Bengaluru. I appreciate the police's proactive communication with the public. It's reassuring to know that reasonable constraints around protests are being considered while respecting everyone's right to go about their life.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.