Mangalore: Locals rise in protest against GP for granting permit to bar

Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (EP)

Mangalore, Sep 11: The people at Thoudugoli, the border between Karnataka and Kerala protested against Naringana gram panchayat for granting permission to open a bar at Thoudugoli.  The protest was held in front of the panchayat office on Tuesday, September 10.

Manjeshwar mandala congress president D M K, addressed the protesters and said that it is well known that Naringana gram panchayat area is sensitive considering several criminal activities in the area.  Despite that, the panchayat administration has given permission for the bar without the knowledge of people.  The panchayat has created a rift between people with the action and is playing with their sentiments, he said.

The ease at which the panchayat has provided permission for the bar makes the people wonder whether the office has bowed down to liquor lobby.  People representatives should not give room for such anti people activities.  So the MLA and minister of health U T Khader should intervene breaking his silence and ensure that people’s health is maintained, he said.

DYFI Mangalore president Imtiyaz said that the no objection letter issued by the panchayat without obtaining the opinions of the locals shows that the panchayat is working for the bar owners.  He demanded that the panchayat withdraw the letter of permission and cancel their trade license.  He urged the excise department to conduct an inspection of the spot.  He warned of strong protests if the panchyat fails to act.

When local businessman wanted to open a bar here a few years ago, some leaders had taken the help of local Muslims in their protest.  The very same leaders have come forward to open a bar now for their selfish reasons.

A petition against it has already been submitted to Minister of forests and ecology and district in charge minister B Ramanath Rai, district administration, Panchayat and excise department.  The people will answer the one sided approach and anti people action of the Naringana gram panchayat, said Moosa Kunhi.

'Panchayat members show greed of money'

Protesters continuously protested against panchayat officials and people's representatives for not having informed people before giving permission for the bar and that liquor mafia has bought panchayat members.  They said the liquor mafia has used an influential Muslim leader as a middleman considering the large Muslim population in the area.
 
Manjeshwar block panchayat committee president Moosakunhi, Manjeshwar Mandala congress president D M K, Varkady gram panchayat committee president Nicholas Monteiro, Majanady Jamaat area counseling’s Khatar Bava, Thoudugoli Jamat vice president Ahmed Kunhi, protest committee president Shaikh Abdulla Barebayi, Secretary Aboobaker Siddiq Bavaliguri, Joint secretary S M Mohammed, Treasurer Brazil D’ Souza Bola, SSF Thoudugoli unit president B H Moidin Kunhi, Joint secretary Siyab, member Nazir, Latif Thoudugoli, Ashraf T M, Moidin Kunhi T M, Sharfuddin Thoudugoli, Niaz, Illyas T M, Ashraf, Moidin Kunhi and Aboobaker Keremane participated in the protest.