Minister A K Saseendran cautions against travel to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka

KOZHIKODE: The people of the state who travel  to the neighbouring states on Monday and Tuesday have to remain cautious as the Supreme Court verdict on the Cauvery water dispute is scheduled to be pronounced on Monday. This advice has been given by Transport Minister A.K. Saseendran who played a key role in bringing back the Keralites trapped in the violence-torn Bangalore on the Onam eve. Mr Saseendran told DC that the KSRTC had taken huge risks to bring the people back to the state before Onam.  It may not run inter-state services on Monday and Tuesday.  

“We have been advised to ensure the safety of the buses as either of the states may face trouble  after the SC verdict,”  he added.  The reservation counters were directed to advise passengers to opt for either Sunday or Wednesday for their travel, he said.    Many KSRTC employees were manhandled by rioters when the trouble erupted in Karnataka earlier.  The buses are not safe even in the bus stands when there is unrest.      

The KSRTC north zone office will run special services  from the state to Bangalore on Sunday. All KSRTC buses  operating to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on Sunday night would return  by Monday noon. KSRTC zonal manager A. Safarullah who is camping in Bangalore told DC that refund of  tickets for reserved passengers was difficult.  “So we have decided not to receive any reservation for the two days,”  he added.   The KSRTC is operating all services to other states at present.