Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (SP)
Karkala, Nov 10: The rickshaws in the taluk will stay off roads for a day on November 11 in protest against frequent hike of petrol prices. This was stated by Balakrishna Shetty, president of the taluk Rickshaw Drivers and Owners Association, at a press convened here on Wednesday November 9.
Shetty explained that after submitting a memorandum against the petro price hike to the union government through the tahsildar here, a procession will be taken from the taluk office to the bus stand, where a public meeting will be organized. He also expressed his intention to invite municipal president and chief officer for the meeting.
“Both rural and urban roads are in wretched condition. Even after rainy season, no road repairs have been undertaken, and MLA and government departments have remained aloof to the problems of the road users. Filling of crushed stones in the pot holes does not serve any purpose other than giving rise to clouds of dust when vehicles move on them. The roads should be repaired properly within 15 days, failing which, stronger measurers of protest will be undertaken,” he warned.
While saying that the auto rickshaw drivers are bogged down by problems because of frequent hike in petrol prices, he urged the government to revise auto fares in tune with such hikes.
Association office bearers, Vishwanath Bhandary, Santosh Bhandary, Mohan Kotian, Ivan Lobo, and others were present at the press conference.