Karnataka Bandh: Police warning against forced participation, services remain open

In a part of India called Karnataka, many people are unhappy about a big river named the Cauvery.

The government told Karnataka to share some of the river's water with the neighboring state, Tamil Nadu.

Some groups in Karnataka disagreed and called for a 'bandh,' which is a day when shops and schools shut down to show they are upset.

The police said people have the right to protest peacefully.

But they also said nobody can force other people to close their shops or join the protest.

The police chief, Seemant Kumar Singh, said everyone should be able to go to school, work, and the shops as usual.

He warned that anyone who threatens others, blocks roads, or damages property will be dealt with according to the law.

Extra police officers have been put in place around Bengaluru to keep the city safe.

The police hope the city stays peaceful and normal.