Mangaluru: The September 10 nation-wide bundh called for by the Congress party against fuel price hike witnessed good response in both Udupi and Dakshina Kannada district.

Almost all the private bus service providers remained off road leaving commuters in a fix. The schools and colleges were declared holiday by the respective district administrations and hence students were not put to inconvenience. But, this apart others who had ventured out on work had to struggle to reach their destinations.

Meanwhile, in Mangaluru, a bus was attacked by miscreants at Pumpwell circle. Another two stary incidents were reported, in which Hotel Shivabhag in the Shivabagh area was pelted with stones and at the Ambedkar Circle, miscreants set the tyres on fire. Later the police took control of the situation.

In Ullal, it is reported that a verbal fight occurred between the police and the Congress party workers.  The Natekal road in Ullal was blocked by the protestors by parking cars.

Amidst this, a bus which departed from Mangaluru heading towards Kundapura halted in the Udupi bus stand and passengers were made to get down. A sheer act of betrayal was observed when the bus personnel said that it would not move any further. Enraged by this, passengers have cursed the bus personnel.

DC Senthil cautions miscreants

To send out a strong message to the Central government, the Congress party and other regional parties have joined hands to show unity against the hike in fuel price. This has alarmed the district administration of Dakshina Kannada as well.

Keeping in mind that the situation might worsen, District Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil on September 9 has warned the protestors irrespective of parties and organization, that stringent action would be initiated against those who forcibly shut the shops.

The caution is rolled out on the basis of the Supreme Court ruling which says the following:

1. Make it clear in their call that nobody will be compelled to participate in the ‘hartals’ or strikes
2. Make it clear that traffic will not be obstructed.
3. Make it clear that those who are willing, may go for work.
4. Make it clear that the fundamental right of others to move will not be affected
5. Instruct their supporters to see that no coercion or force is used for compelling others to participate in the strike or ‘hartal’.

Cong leader Poojary reminds SC order

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Janardhan Poojary too has cautioned his own party men and reminded them about the Apex Court judgment on the consequences that an individual, party or an organization (rule for all) has to face if the country is shut down. This applies to both who support directly and indirectly.

“It doesn’t matter which party or an individual is doing it. They will be held equally responsible and will have to face the music if the country goes on to face humungous loss financially”, Poojary said.

Bundh forcefully enforced in Karwar

Meanwhile, the Congress party workers went on a spree pulling down shutters of commercial establishments forcing traders to comply with the bundh.
Public and private transport vehicles remained off road. The district wore a deserted look with very few vehicles plying on the roads.

Raged Congressmen had reportedly thrown away trays of sweets at a bakery in Ankola forcing the bakery owner to support the bundh.