Steephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod

Kasargod, Sep 8: The protest against the construction of a toll gate at Arikkadi Kadavath near Kumble on National Highway has intensified, leading to clashes between protesters and police on Monday.

The protest rally, led by the action committee, marched from Kumble town to the toll gate site where police tried to block their entry. This led to pushing and shoving, forcing the police to resort to mild lathi-charge and use of water cannons to disperse the crowd. Several protesters were taken into custody and later released.

The rally, led by Manjeshwar MLA A K M Ashraf, witnessed participation from hundreds of people, including members of LDF, UDF, traders, student organizations, and local residents. However, the BJP stayed away from the agitation.

Protesters alleged that the toll gate construction violates rules requiring a minimum distance of 60 km between two toll gates, as the proposed plaza is just 23 km away from the Talapady toll gate. They also claimed that the work is being carried out illegally despite the matter being sub judice.

Contractors maintained that the project would begin only after the High Court’s final verdict, but protesters accused the highway department of pressuring contractors to proceed with the work prematurely.

Ashraf warned that the struggle will continue until the toll gate project is scrapped. The petition filed by the action committee in the High Court is scheduled to be heard tomorrow.