Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Apr 12: Under the leadership of Nagarika Horata Samithi a peaceful protest was held, opposing the inclusion of Gangolli grama into the newly declared Byndoor taluk. The grama at present belongs to Kundapur taluk. The protest was held in front of Gangolli grama panchayat on Wednesday, April 12.

Taluk panchayat members, members of Gangolli church pastoral council and Gangolli Jamatulla Muslimin joined in support of the cause.

“The possibility of Gangolli grama shifting to the newly formed Byndoor taluk has shocked villagers here. The fishing industry, higher education and health sectors will be hit hard if it becomes a reality. Therefore Gangolli grama should not be included in the Byndoor taluk,” said former Mandala chief B Sadananda Shenoy.

“People of Gangolli have an indivisible rapport for several decades with Kundapur and are depended on the latter for day to day activities. The transport facilities to Kundapur are excellent. If a bridge is constructed between Gangolli and Kundapur, the two places will be only a kilometer and and half apart. But inclusion of Gangolli grama in Byndoor taluk will only inconvenience residents. The move will be opposed by villagers collectively,” he said.

Preethi Fernandes, member of Gangolli church pastoral council, said, "Everyone must join hands for the survival and development of Gangolli grama. If protests are not held now, we will regret later,” she said.

G Mohammed Rafik, president of Gangolli Jamatulla Muslimin assured his support to all the protests to make Gangolli remain in Kundapur taluk.

Surendra Kharvi, taluk panchayat member, said that protests and collection of signatures were inevitable to express unity until concerned officials assure that the grama will not be included in Byndoor taluk.

Taluk panchayat member Suresh Kharvi, Gangolli Jamatulla Muslimin president G Mohammed Rafik, Hindu Jagarana Vedike Udupi district co-convener T Vasudeva Devadiga, grama panchayat former member Umanath Devadiga, grama panchayat member Mujahid Nakuda, retired court Shiresthedar G Bhasker Kalaikar, Preethi Fernandes and others spoke on occasion.

"Concerned MLAs and elected representatives should urge the government against including Gangolli in Byndoor taluk, retaining its current position in Kundapur. A movement should be started to wake the government and administration,” they said.

Gangolli grama panchayat administrative officer Seetharama Shetty, village accountant Raghavendra Devadiga and Nagarika Horata Samithi president H S Chikkayya Poojary submitted a petition to Udupi deputy commissioner.

Nagarika Horata Samithi convener B Raghavendra Pai welcomed and gave a keynote address. Grama panchayat member B Laxmikanth Madiwal proposed the vote of thanks.

Grama panchayat development officer B Madhava, Gangolli grama panchayat members, leaders of various groups in Gangolli and villagers were present.