Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Jul 1: A mega protest by way of blocking of service road was organized in the town with the support of several organizations on Tuesday June 30 in protest against the wretched state of the service road here. The protesters were led by the taluk social justice committee.

President of the committee, Krishnappa Allipade, addressed the protest meeting. He blamed the district in-charge minister for not throbbing to the needs of people belonging to his own place. He lamented that even the local MP has failed to understand problems of these people.

Taluk president of Beary Foundation, P A Rahim, municipal councillor, Sadashiva Bangera, dignitaries, Haroon Rashid and K S Abubakker, and office bearers of Autorickshaw Drivers and Owners Association also spoke on the occasion.

When assistant commissioner from Mangaluru, Dr Ashok, visited the spot, the protesters insisted on the presence of national highway authority officials. Assistant commissioner told them that tender process to conduct service road works at a cost of Rs 23 crore is progressing, and that only emergency works have been conducted now. He said that pressure would be built on the authority to widen and re-asphalt the service road.

Dakshina Kannada District Tourist Car and Vans Driver-Owners Association founder president, B M Prabhakar Daivagudde, Usman of Bantwal Taluk Auto rickshaw Drivers Association, secretary of social justice committee, Ramachandra Kayermar, and office bearers of auto rickshaw drivers association and others had participated in the protest.