Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Aug 5: Angered by the continuance of sand transportation to Kerala from the state's coast, citizens of Manjanady village, supported by a number of workers, withheld sand trucks in protest against this illegal activity.

The protesters said that illegal sand transportation into Kerala had created artificial scarcity of sand in the coast, and that construction and other workers have become unemployed. Acute shortage of sand is experienced by people who had planned to construct houses and buildings here. A number of trucks have been carrying sand to Kerala from Konaje via Manjanady. The departments which are expected to act against this menace have turned a blind eye. The officials know that sand transportation is going on illegally, but they have kept themselves aloof from the issue instead of tackling it, the people alleged.

They said they have no objection if the sand business goes on, but stressed that this should not result in shortage of sand in this region. 'These sand trucks moving into Kerala from Natekal through Manjanady move at high speed, and cause a number of accidents. The drivers do not care for accidents, and when questioned, they show stubbornness and arrogance. As such, the people of this region have become helpless,' the protesters complained.

Three sand trucks which were found to be moving towards Kerala were intercepted and handed over to Konaje police by the protesters.

Taluk panchayat members, Ismail Doddamane and Nekkare Bava, participated in the protest. Konaje police sub-inspector, Sudhakar, took the trucks into custody and requested protesters to calm down.

The Kalkatta residents had initially stopped a sand truck and handed it over to police. The police, instead of taking action, sent the truck to the house of owner. The truck was found to have been parked inside the compound of the truck owner. This action of the police was resented by the protesters.