Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM/TP)
Udupi, Feb 9: The indefinite hunger strike launched by Karnataka Karmika Vedike at Clock Tower here against the ban on sand mining turned tense on Thursday February 9 after three protestors took ill, with one of them needing hospitalisation.
The Vedike launched the fast-unto-death protest on Wednesday February 8 against sand mining ban in Udupi district which had effected the daily wage workers.
On Wednesday evening, district authorities including ADC Anuradha and others had met the protestors and assured that a meeting to resolve the issue would be convened on Thursday at 10 am. However, the meeting is yet to be held.
On Thursday, one of the protestors, identified as Sudhakar, took ill and had to be rushed to hospital. Two others who became unwell chose to rest at the protest venue.
The situation turned tense when protestors, alarmed at three persons taking ill, burnt tyres on the road and blocked traffic. The police intervened to take control of the situation, and arguments ensued between the protestors and the cops. The protestors then sat in dharna with petrol in their hands, threatening to immolate themselves.
Udupi police personnel including SI, circle inspector and others arrived at the spot.
Speaking at the protest on Wednesday, former MP Jayaprakash Hegde had said, "Nothing is the impossible for the goverment. While there is a seperate rule for fishing inside the state and across borders, the state government has to enforce certain rules for sand mining in the coastal district."
Expressing his dissatisfaction over the state government's silence over sand mining ban, the former MP had said, "The government should understand the problems of people who are dependant on traditional sand mining. It should implement rules and give more importance to sand mining in the coastal district".
"A study committee has already submitted reports on traditional sand mining in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and non-CRZ, but action is still awaited. The state government should look into the problems faced by the workers who deal with sand mining. Pramod Madwaraj, minister for fisheries and youth services has the fisheries department under his control, but has no idea about sand mining," he added.
Ravi Shetty, president of Karnataka Karmika Vedike, addressed the protesters and said, "Poor labourers are without employment due to ban on sand mining. The needy should buy a truckload of sand at Rs 19,000 which too expensive and not affordable. Poor truck drivers are being penalised for transporting construction materials. The fine levied is close to Rs 50,000. How can they pay such a huge penality when their trucks themselves are purchased on loan?
"The penalties are not so high in Mangaluru and other places. Why is the government playing with the lives of the poor?" he questioned.
Members of Karnataka Karmika Vedike Udupi unit, lorry drivers and others took part in the protest.