Life came to a standstill in Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) on Friday due to a bandh call given by various political parties and organisations in protest against the Union government’s move to dump uranium waste from the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in the mine shafts at KGF.
The bandh was by and large peaceful except for setting fire to tyres on roads and tearing flexes of a Union Minister by protesters.
Business establishments downed their shutters and vehicles remained off the road. Educational institutions remained closed for the day. The bandh supporters took out processions.
KGF MLA Y. Sampangi was among those who participated in the protest.
Some bandh supporters tore flexes carrying photographs of Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises K.H. Muniyappa to vent their against Mr. Muniyappa for his alleged failure to protect the interests of the people of his constituency.
Work at Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) was affected as workers participated in the protest. The BEM Employees Association (BEMEA) supported the bandh.
Disunity
However, taking exception to the disunity among various parties and organisations, the BEMEA general secretary A.R. Babu asked them to come under one forum as it involved the very survival of people of the region.
Protests
BJP functionaries burnt an effigy of Mr. Muniyappa at the KSRTC Bus Stand Circle on Thursday, while members of Jaya Karnataka staged a dharna outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises.
