Mixed response to bandh even as bus services are hit in Kalaburagi

Farmers taking out a protest march in Kalaburagi on Thursday as part of the bandh call seeking declaration of drought in the district.

| Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI

The bandh called in Kalaburagi on Thursday by the Samyukta Horata Karnataka, a forum of different progressive and democratic organsiations, in association with various farmers, Kannada and Dalit groups, seeking declaration of drought in the district and fulfilment of other demands evoked mixed response.Public transport services were severely disrupted as protesters blocked the movement of buses at several places, including in front of the Central Bus Station.Bus station, which normally remains crowded with passengers from the early morning, wore a deserted look as bus services were suspended.Several passengers who arrived at the bus station unaware of the bandh were stranded with their luggage.Farmers also staged a road blockade in the Ganj area, a busy marketplace, where shops and commercial establishments remained closed.However, the bandh received lukewarm response in other major commercial and densely populated areas, including the Super Market.The protesters, who began demonstrations as early as 6 a.m., staged protests at different locations in the city.