They alleged that the state had completely ignored the development of Belur taluk, which has been a place of major tourist attraction since ages. The protestors who blocked Chikmagalur-Hassan state highway were arrested by the police and released later.
Some of the demands made by the protestors included upgradation of government hospital, construction of bus depot, extension of bus stand, creating basic facilities for the tourists among others. The protestors congregated near Channakeshava Temple under the leadership of MLA Y N Rudreshgowda and then proceeded to block the road near Nehru circle. They were also joined by activists from progressive organisations.
Demanding that the district officials arrive on the spot to hear their demands, protestors shouted slogans against state BJP government, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, Ministers R Ashoka and Sriramulu. Though tahsildar P G Nataraj and other officers arrived on the spot, the protestors didn’t heed to them and continued to block the traffic on Hassan-Chikmagalur road for few hours.
Finally, the police resorted to arresting Municipal president H M Dayanand, Swamigowda of Raita Sangha, JD(S) leader Sudarshan along with another 50 activists. District JD(S) President H K Javaregowda, TP president Kamala Channappa, Taluk JD(S) president T H Ananthasubbaraya and others were present.
Business hit
With the bundh being total, business establishments remained shut and only few private operators opened for business during evening hours. Hotels, cinema theatres, government offices, schools and colleges including banks also remained closed. Buses were prohibited from entering Belur town with the ones going towards Chikmagalur and Halebeedu being routed around Nehru circle.
This led to great discomfort for passengers who had to travel to Belur. They were forced to walk for over a kilometer to reach the town.
In support of the bundh, autos and maxicabs didn’t venture out on streets.