India, March 21 -- Several pro-Kannada organizations have called for a statewide 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, reigniting long-standing linguistic tensions between Karnataka and Maharashtra.

The 12-hour bandh, from 6 am to 6 pm, has been organized by Kannada Okkoota, a coalition of various pro-Kannada groups. Outraged by the incident, Kannada activists are demanding strict action against those responsible, particularly pro-Marathi groups, whom they accuse of inciting violence and disrupting regional harmony.

The protesting organizations have urged the Karnata...