Half-day bandh in Madikeri over insult to FM Cariappa, Gen Thimmaiah draws lukewarm response

MADIKERI: The half-day bandh call given by the Kodava Bhashika Samudayagala Okkoota against the alleged insult to Field Marshal K M Cariappa and General K S Thimmaiah by a lawyer evoked lukewarm response in Madikeri with shops and commercial establishments continuing regular business.

While government buses plied as usual, regular classes in schools went on uninterrupted. However, there was some confusion among private schools and were closed. The auto drivers’ union, Kodagu homestay association and the Kodagu district travels association had lent support to the bandh call.

A lawyer had allegedly shared derogatory messages on a WhatsApp group regarding the decorated army officers, sparking outrage. The lawyer was arrested, but soon released, giving rise to more anger. Protests were held in different parts of the district and there were also calls for externing the lawyer from the district.