Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS/HB)
Udupi, Jan 24: "So far Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KaRaVe), (Praveen Shetty faction), Kaup, had protested against the dual policy with regards to the toll collection by Navyug company and unscientific road work. However, we have not got any solution to the issue. That is why we are going to hold fast unto death in coming days to urge the fulfillment of our demands. In addition, in the meeting that was conducted by the additional deputy commissioner (DC) on the morning of Wednesday, January 24, the members of our Vedike were insulted," accused Ansar Ahmed, Udupi district unit president of KaRaVe (Praveen Shetty faction).
Ansar was speaking at the press conference that was held on Wednesday, January 24 at the press club here. He further said, "Complete toll relaxation should be given to all the vehicles bearing KA-20 registration number plate. The vehicles from Udupi have to pay toll at two tollgates to reach Mangaluru, which is just 60 km away from this city."
"Bus stands that were demolished by the Navyug company during the road construction work on national highway 66 have to be rebuilt in the designated places marked by the panchayat. The work of service road also needs to be completed as soon as possible," urged Ansar.
Continuing his address to the scribes, Ansar said, "At Mukka there is relaxation in toll payment for vehicles bearing registration number KA-19. They have to pay toll only at Hejmady toll gate. However, people of Udupi district have to pay toll at Hejmady toll gate and again pay a second time at Mukka toll gate, which is just five km away. We undertook fasting for two days from Janaury 14 against this policy."
"The additional DC had called the meeting on Wednesday, January 24 to discuss the issue. However, no representative from Navyug company attended the meeting. The district administration has not given any value to our words. So we have decided to hold fast unto death demanding the waiving of toll payment," concluded Ansar.
Asif Muloor, Nizamuddin, Zunaid, Hanif and Ashraf were present.