Tension in Karnataka's Chikkaballapur after agitators turn violent

Tension prevailed in Chikkaballapur town today after a bandh call by residents demanding permanent water supply turned violent with protestors pelting stones, damaging some shops and a police van.
   
Police said a Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) van and some shops were damaged in stone pelting. However, additional police personnel were deployed and the situation was brought under control, they said.
 
Meanwhile chief minister BS Yeddyurappa accused opposition Congress for being responsible for the problem in the town and Kolar and urged them to give up agitation and come for talks.   

"I am not responsible for the present situation. Let legislators, MPs and leaders come for talks", he said, adding he would certainly take measures for solving the problem.
   
"They should agitate against opposition parties and not against the ruling BJP Government", Yeddyurappa told reporters in Bangalore when his attention was drawn to the agitation.
   
Meanwhile, a bandh called in Kolar district on the issue evoked a "partial" response, with only commercial establishments remaining closed. Vehicular movement was normal, police said.