Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Oct 1: The Udupi district police have issued a notice to all lorry owners who have parked their vehicles on the national highway as part of their protest.

The notice, sent by the police department, calls on all lorry owners to promptly remove their vehicles and clear the national highways to ensure smooth traffic flow.

A substantial number of lorry owners have congregated at Udyavar and other locations to express their opposition to the police department's directive.

Truckers oppose police notice

The fight for justice, now in its fifth day, remains steadfast. We vehemently reject the false claims that we support illegal mining activities. This is an outright lie. Our only demand is for proper actions to be taken, and we will not compromise on this matter. Throughout this struggle, we have maintained utmost respect for government officials. We acknowledge the competence of authorities like the current Police Superintendent and District Commissioner.

Regrettably, the Mining Department is providing incorrect information to district officials. Therefore, we earnestly request the formation of a high-level committee to address this issue impartially," stated Raghavendra Shetty, leader of the Building Material Suppliers Lorry Owners Association.

Addressing the recent legal notice issued by the police department to lorry owners, Shetty emphasized, "Who benefits from illegal activities? No one can escape the scrutiny of departmental officials. Our fight for justice is not directed against the authorities or any political party. On September 30, we submitted a memorandum to the District Commissioner, expressing our willingness to install GPS devices in our vehicles. We are ready to convince all our association members to install GPS as well. However, our confidence in the district administration is lacking. There appears to be misinformation disseminated to the public regarding material availability. Udupi Gram Panchayat claims there are 46 legal sand mining zones, but in reality, there are only three sand mining zones in our district within gram panchayat limits. Additionally, Udupi does not have permits for red stones; we source them from Niddodi in Dakshina Kannada district. We respectfully request a thorough verification of this arrangement through the District Commissioner's office. We are willing to install GPS and collaborate with officials, but we insist on a written affidavit from the District Commissioner, guaranteeing resolution of all pertinent issues and the issuance of legal permits for material transportation. The District Incharge Minister and MLAs must be present during this meeting. We remain steadfast until our demands are met. We had originally planned a protest march on October 3, but due to the Governor's visit to the district on that day, we have rescheduled it for October 4."

Shetty added, "During the district collector's meeting held on Monday, a private individual from the Mining Department provided misinformation to the District Commissioner and Police Superintendent about our activities. This situation requires a thorough investigation. Why are they singling us out? Do we not have the right to voice our concerns? Our lives have been severely disrupted. Not even a blade of grass moves without the officials' notice. In this intense battle for justice, we will not waver."