Karnataka News Update: Kannada activists on Monday began blocking the Attibele inter-state border between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as part of a one-day protest that is being seen as a precursor to a larger
statewide bandh planned for August 13.
The blockade started at around 11 am, affecting one of the busiest road links between the two southern states and disrupting the movement of vehicles in both directions.
The protest is being led by veteran Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj, who had announced the programme during a demonstration in Mysuru on Saturday.
Why Are Kannada Organisations Protesting?
The August 13 Karnataka bandh is centred on the state’s long-standing inter-state water disputes, particularly those related to the Mekedatu, Mahadayi and Kalasa Banduri projects.
Nagaraj said more than 2,000 pro-Kannada organisations have already extended support to the bandh, with the number expected to cross 3,000 by August 13.
According to organisers, Attibele was chosen for Monday’s protest because it serves as a key gateway between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and witnesses heavy movement of passenger and freight vehicles.
What Is Affected At Attibele?
The protest involved a complete halt to vehicle movement at the Attibele border.
Organisers said vehicles travelling from Tamil Nadu into Karnataka were not being allowed to enter, while vehicles heading from Karnataka towards Tamil Nadu were also stopped.
The blockade is expected to affect:
- Interstate buses
- Freight and goods vehicles
- Private vehicles
- Daily commuters using the route
Travellers relying on the Attibele crossing have been advised to expect delays and possible diversions.
What Remains Open?
Apart from the Attibele border blockade, no major disruptions have been reported from other parts of Bengaluru or Karnataka on Monday.
Regular traffic movement within Bengaluru and other districts is continuing as usual, with the wider shutdown planned for August 13.
Commuters travelling within the city or using routes not connected to Attibele are not expected to face major inconvenience from Monday’s protest.
What Is Planned For August 13?
Vatal Nagaraj has called for a statewide Karnataka bandh on August 13 and appealed to various sectors to support the protest. He has urged hotel owners in Bengaluru and Mysuru to keep their establishments shut on the day of the bandh.
Nagaraj also made remarks regarding Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay Joseph, stating that protests could be intensified if support is not extended to the Mekedatu reservoir project.
Chief Minister’s Appeal
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed to Vatal Nagaraj to withdraw the proposed August 13 bandh. However, Nagaraj rejected the appeal, indicating that preparations for the statewide shutdown would continue.
With thousands of organisations reportedly backing the bandh, authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely in the coming days, particularly in Bengaluru and key border areas.
Monday’s blockade at Attibele is being viewed as an indication of the scale of mobilisation planned for the August 13 protest over Karnataka’s water-sharing and irrigation projects.
