February the Fifth, 2007

Most shops were closed, even those which were open were half-closed. Pizza Hut Basaveshwaranagar was a funny sight, its glass outer walls completely covered from the outside with thick opaque paper, an A2 size framed garlanded color photograph adorning the closed entrance; it had tried to do its best. The police security was tight in the areas that mattered. Many rowdy sheeters had been arrested or detained the day before, this time before they could cause any damage. Every vehicle on the road bore a KA registration. Recently tarred roads were a boon for the desparate few trying to get home, as also a playground for the bold few who wanted to test drive their vehicles. Schools had closed early; offices had driven their employees home. The political parties this time had all agreed violence wasn't the right option.
The Cauvery tribunal had passed its final order.



By the time I took this photo the next day morning, the thick cardboard paper had turned into black tarapaulin. I did see a few employees sneaking inside in the afternoon; how can they do without their daily bread ?