Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)

Udupi, Feb 12: The protest against collection of toll charges at Gundmi and Hejamady is set to instensify on Monday February 13 as various organizations have extended support to the bandh that has been announced against the move.

At the same time, the district administration has imposed Section 144 across Udupi taluk and along NH-66 from Tekkatte to Shiroor on radius of 2 km from midnight on Sunday February 12 to midnight of Monday.

The bandh was announced after Nagarika Horata Samiti president Gulam Mohammed and other leaders like Deviprasad Shetty were arrested at the protest held at Hejamady tollgate on Saturday, where protestors violated Section 144. In a press note the administration stated that as various orgainzations and unions have decided to support the bandh, prohibitory orders have been issued to prevent untoward incidents.

A meeting was held at Pingara hall where organizations protesting against the toll collection announced that the bandh would be held for a period of 12 hours from 6 am on Monday till 6 pm.

During the bandh, schools, colleges, shops and business establishments would be asked to shut down. However, there is no official order on shutting down educational institutions. DDPI Diwakar Shetty said that schools and colleges would remain open.

Rickshaw drivers' and owners' association extended support to the bandh and said they would not operate for 24 hours.

However, city buses will not support the bandh. Speaking to daijiworld, Uudpi city bus owners' association said that city buses will operate as usual, but if they are forced to stop, they would do so.

Representatives from all political parties - BJP, Congress and JD(S) - along with Bajrang Dal were present at the meeting and extended their support to the bandh.

During the meeting, the organisations concerned once again emphasised their demands including exemption for vehicles bearing KA 20 (Udupi) registration, construction of service roads, installation of crossing and divider at Uchila, completion of work on highway at Padubdri etc.

The organizations also decided to march in protest from Padubidri to Hejamady tollgate at 10 am.

Belapu gram panchayat union president Deviprasad Shetty said that all associations and organizations, including traders, lorry owners, various community associations, Tulunada Rakshana Vedike, All India College Students' Union, NSUI, taxi services, and others will support the bandh.

During the meeting, the protestors expressed disappointment with deputy commissioner, alleging that he has failed to respond to the needs of the people.