Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Dec 2: An indefinite protest was launched in Suratkal to protest against the haphazard parking of trucks waiting to avail the RoRo (Roll In Roll Out) service of Konkan Railway through the local railway station, on Thursday December 1.

The protest is being held under the aegis of Jaya Karnataka Suratkal unit in association with over 40 local organizations and institutions.

District convener of Jaya Karnataka, Rakesh Malli, district general secretary, Harish K Suratkal, priest of Sacred Heart Church Suratkal, Fr Antony Lobo, former president of Rickshaw Owners and Drivers Association, Fakruddin, and fishermen leader, Sharat Guddekopla, addressed the protestors.  They demanded for construction of footpath on the railway over bridge for the safety of pedestrians, banning of bullet tankers parking on Suratkal-Bajpe road as per the order of the deputy commissioner, and steps to ensure safety of students near Sacred Heart Church.

Allegations that trucks moving through RoRo service have been evading payment of taxes to the government, also surfaced at the programme. The protestors insisted that these trucks should be parked in allotted parking spot alone, and not on public places. 

Suratkal station house officer, K U Belliappa, supervised law and order situation at the protest venue. As soon as the protest began, the trucks that are found perennially parked on Bajpe Road, disappeared.