India, March 20 -- Several pro-Kannada organizations have announced Karnataka bandh on Saturday, March 22, in response to an alleged assault on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor in Belagavi. The conductor was reportedly attacked for not speaking Marathi, intensifying existing linguistic tensions in the region.

The 12-hour bandh, from 6 AM to 6 PM, has been called by Kannada Okkoota, a coalition of various Kannada advocacy groups. The attack, allegedly carried out by individuals associated with pro-Marathi organizations, has sparked widespread outrage among Kannada activists, leading to demands for stricter action.

The organizers are demanding the government to take strong action against pro-Marathi group...