Daijiworld News Network - Udupi (GA) - Pics  Wilson D'Souza Shirva

Udupi, Mar 31: Despite VHP and other Sangh Parivar organizations withdrawing the bundh call at the eleventh hour, the district observed bundh on Friday March 31.

District BJP and other organizations which had given a bundh call on Thursday.  It was even announced on loud-speakers at Kaup, Padubidri, Kinnimulki and other areas.  But late in the night the organizations called an urgent meeting and decided to withdraw bundh call so that the normal life would not be affected on March 31, the last day of the fiscal year. 

However, on Friday morning, none of the buses plied either to the city or from the city.  Once the bus services came to a standstill, all other services too came to a grinding halt.  People going to work-places, school and college students had to face innumerable problems since buses did not ply.  The II PUC students who are appearing for their public exams faced real difficulty since the education board had made it clear that exams will not be postponed for any reason.

While most of them depended on private vehicles to reach the examination centres, others came walking.  Though KSRTC buses were deployed, people faced innumerable problems.

Security has been beefed up in all areas and religious centres such as churches, temples and mosques have been provided with special security.  Udupi circle inspector Vishwanath Pandit has taken in-charge of the security measures.

So far no incidents of violence have been reported.  Situation is under control in all the areas.  But bus stands, public places wear a deserted look.