Oct 4 bandh to hit essential services

Oct 4 bandh to hit essential services
The Times of India

Bangalore: Public utility services, including supply of essential commodities, are likely to be hit on Oct 4, when pro-Kannada organisations observe a bandh to protest against Centre’s stand in the Supreme Court on the Karnataka-Maharashtra border row.
Thousands of autorickshaws, taxis and lorries will stay off the road. Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners’ Association G Shanmugappa said the entire fleet of 2.25 lakh trucks will not ply. “Essential commodities too could be hit,’’ he said.
Adarsha Auto and Taxi Drivers’ Union president Manjunath said autorickshaws too will not ply. The Karnataka City Taxi Operators Association has expressed support for the bandh.
KSRTC and BMTC haven’t decided yet on withdrawing services. “We’ll take a decision on that day based on the law and order situation,” said MD Upendra Tripathy.
Though the education department has not issued any circular declaring a holiday, schools which are closed for Dasara holidays have decided to reopen on Oct 5.
Members of the state government employees association too have decided to support it by abstaining from work. Train and air service will not be hit.