AMN /
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed pain over the situation in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the Cauvery water issue and appealed for calm.
He said that violence cannot provide a solution to any problem and in a democracy, solutions are found through restraint and mutual dialogue.
He added, “Breaking the law is not a viable alternative. The violence and arson seen in the last two days is only causing loss to the poor, and to our nation’s property. I appeal to the people of the two States, to display sensitivity, and also keep in mind their civic responsibilities.”
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “I trust you will keep national interest and nation building above all else, and give priority to restraint, harmony, and finding a solution, eschewing violence, destruction and arson.”
Earlier I&B Minister Venkaiah Naidu appealed to people of Karnataka & Tamil Nadu to maintain peace and asked media to exercise restraint.
Meanwhile one person has died and another received injuries after police opened fire upon protesters in Bengaluru’s Rajgopalnagar area on Monday. There were many reports of arson and vandalism in Bengaluru and on a highway to Mysuru during protests against the Supreme Court’s modified order directing Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu till 20th of this month.
Some 15,000 policemen have been posted across the IT city. Prohibitory orders under section 144 have been imposed in the city. Curfew has been imposed in 16 police station limits in Bengaluru.
Shoot at sight orders have also been issued in these areas which witnessed sporadic incidents of Monday.
However, in view of the festival of EID today, Police clarified that prohibitory orders will not apply to place of worships and Idgahs. 10 companies of Rapid Action Force, CRPF, and ITBP have already been deployed since Monday.
The angry protesters torched many vehicles including state transport buses and trucks while damaging hundreds of vehicles in stone pelting on Tamil Nadu – Karnataka border.
The Supreme Court yesterday modified its own order to release 12,000 cusecs of water everyday to Tamil Nadu till 20th September, instead of 15,000 cusecs, as directed earlier.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier telephonically talked to Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and inquired about the situation and offered all possible assistance.