As tension seems to be on the rise following the Cauvery water dispute, many incidents of violence have been reported in Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru. Social media and news channels are constantly reporting cases of violence against Tamils and property owned by Tamils, including shops and vehicles, in the city. In the meanwhile in Chennai, The New Woodlands hotel and a branch of the Karnataka Bank were vandalized. As law and order seem to have gone haywire, film actors from both the states appealed for peace among the people.
Actor Prakash Raj, who works in four Indian language films, expressed his hurt at the violence at display
Let’s seek justice … But not with such inhuman violence. It’s painful to see children terrified. PEACE pleassss pic.twitter.com/sLMcCmWlL8
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) September 12, 2016
Actress Khushbu, who is also a part of the Congress party called on the ruling BJP for ineffective governance.
attacks on ppl in TN who hail from Karnataka is absolutely ridiculous..same goes wid those from TN in Karnataka..crazy..stop the violence.
— khushbusundar (@khushsundar) September 12, 2016
Meanwhile, rumours were afloat that STR announced that his films will not release hereafter in Karnataka. He was quick to respond saying that the news was just a rumour
Admin : Statement on #CauveryIssue from #STR pic.twitter.com/n9bUzVPfL8
— STR (@iam_str) September 12, 2016
Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeep, who also acts in Tamil and Telugu movies, asked people not to post provocative messages on social media
#RequestPeace .Wats being damaged is th peace of ‘our’ state.Yes Justice needs to be done N I’m sure there WIL B ways to get there.Peace pls
— Kichcha Sudeepa (@KicchaSudeep) September 12, 2016
Situation needs to calm down n justice is required.But this will only further delay everything.Request all not to tweet any provoking lines
— Kichcha Sudeepa (@KicchaSudeep) September 12, 2016
While many people said that North Indians are insensitive towards the issue, actor Rishi Kapoor admitted to his lack of knowledge on the issue, but insisted that violence is not the solution to any issue.
Sad. For want of sharing water-such anger,such vandalism and such violence? Ultimately you will only suffer Karnataka! Please come to terms
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 12, 2016
I may not know the Cauvery waters problem(TN/KA).But violence is no answer. Law and Order must prevail. Bengluru is an international IT hub!
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 12, 2016
RJ turned actor Balaji, who often participates in social causes released a video stating that only a few violent groups had attacked Tamils in Karnataka, he requested the people of Tamil Nadu not to retaliate and worsen the situation. And also requested those sharing memes and provocative statements on social media to stop, as it would only worsen the situation.
