Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (EP)
Kasargod, Apr 28: Protesters led by Janapara Raste Horata Samiti on Monday April 28 blocked Badiadka – Kumble road protesting against irregular and shoddy road work.
Roads were blocked in several places in Badiadka and Seetangoli during the day-long protests. The protest turned chaotic when arguments eupted between the protesters and the police.
The protest was set in motion by Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Committee unit president S A Mayya. Horata committee president K N Krishna Bhat, Mahin Kelot, Balasubrahmanya, B Ramapatali, Jagannath Shetty, Mahesh Nidungala, B S Ibrahim Thomas and others led the protests.
Roads were blocked in Badiadka, Goliadka, Kanathila, Nirchal, Bela and Seetangoli. Vehicles were parked across Nirchal to block the road. Stones and other obstacles were kept in other places to block roads. The protest received wide support.
Representatives of various political parties, activists of associations, and the public fully supported the protest. Auto rikshaw drivers parked their vehicles in the middle of roads to express their support. Porridge was prepared in the middle of Badiadka road as a part of protest.
Though tender for the road work was invited two years ago, the work has not progressed.
Minister of public works, V K Ibrahim had laid the foundation stone for the road work in May 2012. The work has remained stagnant since two years and commuting has become difficult, the protestors said.