Daijiworld Media Network - Brahmavar (SP)

Brahmavar, Feb 18: To register strong resentment at the withdrawal of concession in the payment of toll fee being levied at the toll plazas to the locals, the locals held strong protest at Sastan toll plaza. They also met and held discussions. The meeting decided to undertake peaceful protest on February 22 by shutting down all the shops and establishments within Kota zilla panchayat limits. It was also decided to carry on the fight till the problem is sorted out.

Sripathi Adhikari, Kota Dinesh Ganiga, Karkada Surendra Ganiga, Razack Master, Sylvester D'Souzal and others addressed the protesters.

Brahmavar tahsildar Kiran Gorayya, who visited the spot, held discussions with the protesters along with Shivaprasad of Navayuga Toll Company and Basheer of Sastan tollgate. After the tahsildar assured that the concession for locals would continue to be extended till the district level Disha meeting is convened and that thereafter the decision taken at the meeting will be applicable. On the basis of this assurance, the protest was withdrawn.

The participants expressed anger at the MLAs and MP for not visiting the spot to listen to their grievances even though protests were held two to three times. After the meeting, the protesters tried to mob the toll plaza again and sought clarification on the statement of the tahsildar. Brahmavar police circle inspector Anantapadmanabha led a police team that stopped the protesters and issued them a warning.

Minister, Kota Srinivas Poojary said that the Disha meeting is being held on February 22 with the participation of MP and people's representatives. He added that a decision that will be beneficial to the locals would be taken.