Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, May 18: Rashtriya Heddari Horata Samiti staged protests at the Gundmi toll gate on NH 66 on Saturday evening, May 18, opposing the cancellation of toll exemptions for locals. Samithi president Sham Sunder Bayari stated that local vehicle drivers in district panchayat limits were previously exempted from toll payments by Navyug company. "However, the highway construction company currently managing the Gundmi toll is refusing to exempt local people from toll payments. As this is objectionable, our protests will continue until the exemption is reinstated,” he said.

The protesters called for the concerned officers to come to the protest venue. When none of the officers arrived, the protesters attempted to lay a siege to the toll gate. Brahmavar circle police inspector Divakar arrived at the scene and tried to control the situation. He spoke with the protesters and assured them that he would arrange for them to speak with the officers at 5 pm on Monday, May 20. As a result, the protesters have suspended their actions temporarily. They warned that they will resume their protests if Monday evening's talks do not yield favorable results.

Local leaders Rajashekar Hebbar, Alwyn Andrade, Vittal Poojary, and hundreds of local campaigners participated in the protests.