Karnataka CM appeals for calm, says will implement 'difficult' SC order

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday appealed for calm in the state and said though it is "difficult" his government will implement the Supreme Court order on sharing of Cauvery river waters with Tamil Nadu.

Addressing a press conference here, a day after widespread violence killed at least one person besides arson in southern Karnataka, the Chief Minster said the government will impose law and order "with an iron hand".

"It is true that violence is not a solution to any problem. We have to maintain peace and tranquillity in the society. We have decided to impose law and order with an iron hand," the Chief Minister said.

Siddaramaiah said he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter. "I have written to the PM to intervene in the matter. I have asked for an appointment immediately." 

"It is difficult to implement the Supreme Court order, but we will ensure enough drinking water for Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, and other Cauvery basin areas," he added. 

"The inability to implement the September 5 judgement is the reason for yesterday's (Monday's) direction from the apex court," he said, referring to the apex court's modified order on 12,000 cusecs to be released per day till September 20. The earlier order was for 15,000 cusecs per day.

He said Bengaluru is not just the state capital but an international city - the Silicon Valley of India, and appealed against any show of volatility. 

Siddaramaiah also appealed to the media for cooperation to help normalise the situation.