Karnataka Bandh called by pro-Kannada organisations in protest against release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu has paralysed normal life in Bangalore, Mysore, Mandya, Hassan and Chamrajnagar districts. Roads wore a deserted look as heavy police presence kept vigil at key locations. Shops and business establishments remained closed in these districts. Farmers, Kannada organisations, film industry members and political party workers staged protests, arranged bike rallies and burnt effigies and tyres at various locations. Apart from a few autos and public buses, there was thin traffic on Bangalore roads. Bangalore-Mysore highway was blocked at various points and trains were held up by Kannada activists. Police thwarted an attempt by Kannada activists to protest in front of External Affairs Minister Mr. S.M Krishna’s residence in Bangalore. Mr. Krishna, who is on an official visit to USA, has released to media a letter written by him to Prime Minister, urging him to explore possibilities of stopping further release of water to Tamil Nadu due to grim situation in Karnataka. The letter points to the fact that monsoon is over in Karnataka, whereas Tamil Nadu will get rains during North-East monsoon.