Koppal, Aug. 13 -- A unique protest was witnessed in Koppal on Thursday as Karnataka observed a statewide bandh over the Cauvery water-sharing issue, with protesters offering roses to drivers of Tamil Nadu-origin lorries while urging them not to "provoke" Karnataka amid the ongoing dispute over the release of Cauvery water.

The demonstration was held at the Hitnal Toll Gate on the National Highway in Koppal taluk, where activists led by Kerave Yuva Sene leader Vijayakumar stopped Tamil Nadu-origin lorries as part of the bandh.

Rather than confronting the drivers, the protesters handed them roses as a symbolic gesture.

"We are peace-loving people. Do not provoke us," Vijayakumar told the lorry drivers while handing over the flowers.

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