Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, July 12: “Indefinite protests will be held till the newly opened bar and restaurant at Kairangala Punyakotinagar is vacated,” said the president of school management board Rajarama Bhat.   

He was speaking after the protests and submission of an appeal by students of Punyakoti Sharada Vidya Ganapathi Vidya Kendra against a newly opened bar and restaurant in Balepuni grama panchayat limits.

“As decided in the meeting, the opening of a bar and restaurant near a Goshale and a school is illegal. Approval has been granted in a hurry without observing the government guidelines and obtaining public opinions. No alcohol can be sold within a radius of 100 meters from a school. It creates problems for conducting school activities and for girls returning home in the evenings. We urge the panchayat to cancel the licence issued. The bar has disrupted the decent students attending school. We will continue our protests in a democratic manner. If our request is not acceded, we will be visiting the minister, the departments and resort to indefinite protests and fast until death. Balepuni grama panchayat has informed that a decision will be taken in the ordinary meeting after discussions. A bar has been opened just 50 meters away from the main door of the school to the north. The government should take action immediately,” he said.

School student Rashmita said that the licence has been issued to the bar in violation of the government guidelines. “The concerned officials should take action in this connection,” she said.

A memorandum was handed over by the students and the school management to Balepuni grama panchayat president Zarina. Police security was provided on the spot.