Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Nov 26: In a bold display of public discontent, auto, tourist car, private bus, and lorry owners led a large-scale protest near Kashimath in Vittla, demanding immediate repairs to the Vittla - Ukkuda - Padibagilu state highway.

Protesters blocked the road, raising slogans against the state government, and vowed to continue their demonstration until Public Works Department officials arrived. Upon their arrival, the protesters expressed their frustration, urging officials to fill the dangerous potholes that had been a long-standing issue.

Officials assured the agitating crowd that the proposal for road repairs had already been submitted and that resurfacing work would begin soon. However, protesters, unsatisfied with the delay, warned of further disruptions, pledging to block four key roads in Vittla if the potholes were not addressed within three days.

After a brief standoff, officials promised immediate action, leading the protesters to call off the demonstration.

Key figures at the protest included Vittla Town Panchayat president Karunakara Naytotu, Bus Owners' Association president Arun Vittla, Lorry Owners' president Ramesh Varappade, Auto Rickshaw Owners' president Vasanth N, and several other community leaders.