Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network –Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Dec 18: Many associations will join the bandh against the upcoming tollgate in Belman on December 20, called by Tollgate Action Committee.
Committee president N Suhas Hegde in a press meet on December 18 said that shops, banks and educational institutions have assured to voluntarily take part in the Bundh against the establishment of toll gate in Belman.
“We had protested against the construction of toll gate on October 7. More than 5,000 people of surrounding villages took part in this agitation. But still the government ordered to provide police protection for the construction work. None of the officials visited us or paid heed to our demands. The company says that they have built a very good standard road in Karkala – Padubidri state highway. But in reality there are more than 37 humps in the 26km stretch”, he added.
“Our aim is that there must not be any toll in Karkala–Padubidri state highway. To make this happen, all the schools, banks, shops, and other institutions will be closed on December 20. Most of the people who use this road are daily wage workers and other marginalized people. If the tollgate is constructed it will be a burden to all these people,” said Suhas N Hegde.
Shashidhar Shetty, treasurer and Sarvajna Tantry, secretary of Tollgate Action Committee, Hariprasad were present during the press conference.