Sullia : The Sullia bandh call given by Malnad Janahitha Rakshana Samithi, Malnad Janti Kriya Samithi and Kollamogru Kalmakar Raitha Hitha Rakshana Vedike, to protest against the implementation of recommendations of Kasturirangan report evoked good response.

Interestingly, the activists cutting across party lines supported the bandh call and took part in a massive protest. The shops and business establishments remained closed till afternoon.

Schools and colleges had declared holidays. The movement of KSRTC buses remained suspended till afternoon. The protesters took out a huge rally till Gandhi Circle. Hundreds of people participated in the protest rally. Addressing the protesters, Malnad Janahitha Rakshana Vedike President Kishor Shiradi said “in the name of development and conservation of environment, officials are terrorising the villagers. If Kasturirangan recommendations are implemented, then we will suffer.”

“We will not resort to end our lives. We will fight for our rights. The government should wake up before the protest turns violent in different parts of the State.” Raitha Hitarakshana Vedike President Hameed Idnoor said that the protest is a wake up call to the government. The government should take the issue seriously.”

MLA S Angara said that the officials have kept the villagers in dark with regard to the report. Block Congress President M Venkappa Gowda said that all political parties should unitedly fight for the cause. The Kasturirangan committee report should be rejected.

The bandh was successful in Subrahmanya as well. Students had boycotted the classess to extend their support to the bandh.

The shops and business establishments remained closed form 9 am to 12 noon, to ensure that no inconvenience is meted out to the devotees visiting the temple. Private vehicles including tempo, jeep services were suspended.

On the other hand, bandh received good response at Kollamogru, Balugodu, Panja, Madappady, Enekallu. The busy roads wore a deserted look.