from Rons Bantwal
for Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (RD)
Mumbai, Oct 11: A delegation of Karnataka Associations and social service organizations in the metro, led by Jayashreekrishna Parisara Premi Samiti, met former union defense minister and NDA convener, George Fernandes, who was on his private visit to the suburban Goregaon and explained the injustice caused to the natives of coastal Karnataka by extending ‘Matsyaganda’ passenger train services of Konkan Railway (KR) till Thiruvantapuram.
The delegation presented their memorandum with signatures obtained from various Tulu-Kannada-Konkani Associations and native social welfare organizations based in the metro, to George Fernandes and pleaded him that KR has been the boon for Mangalorean-Mumbaikars. As known the dream of Konkani railway was realized owing to the efforts and initiatives taken by George Fernandes himself.
It was a hope for lonely women passengers to travel without fear. However, owing to the recent developments, the people of coastal Karnataka who travel to and fro between Mangalore and Mumbai are deprived of comfortable and safe journey.
The delegation appealed the former minister, to arrange a meeting with the chief of Railway Board and union Railway minister, Laloo Prasad Yadav to discuss the issue. At the same time, George Fernandes assured them that he would try to fix the visit at the earliest, after studying the issue in detail.
Jayashreekrishna Parisara Premi Samiti president Vishwanath U Mada, All-India Billava Association president Jaya C Suvarna, Devadiga Sangh Mumbai president U Dharmapal Devadiga, Karnataka Vishwakarma Association past president G T Acharya, Christian United Movement of Karnataka convenor Rons Bantwal, BJP South India Mumbai unit president L V Amin, International Travels Association honorary chief secretary Fredrick D’Sa and others were present on the occasion.
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