Mandya: Further intensifying the agitation against release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, farmers' leaders on September 18 decided to organise picketing of Central and state government offices in the district from September 19.

Road traffic between Bangalore and Mysore remained paralysed on September 18 also, as hundreds of farmers squatted on the main road and blocked it with bullock carts, even as they continued their "jail bharo" programme.

Protesters pelted stones at a Karnataka State Reserve Police van but the Rapid Action Force (RAF) men plunged into action immediately and dispersed the crowd.

G Madegowda, who is heading the committee leading the farmers agitation, announced the programme to picket Central and state government offices and said the agitation was "going out of their hands" with farmers growing more and more restive over the water release.

Shops and other commercial establishments downed shutters in Mandya where police, aided by RAF, are keeping a close watch on the tense situation.

Bangalore-Mysore train services were however normal.

With tense atmosphere prevailing, District authorities announced holiday for schools and colleges for three more days from September 19.

Hundreds of farmers meanwhile stood at the KRS dam, saying they would not allow release of any water from it.

PTI