Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Nov 2: The people who were protesting under the leadership of MLA Raghupati Bhat, seeking permission to all the 171 license holders to do the sand extraction, called off their indefinite day and night protest which had entered its eighth day, on late night of Thursday, November 1.

The agitators were assured of a quick solution to the burning issue by Rajendra Kumar Kataria, principal secretary, mines and geology department, who visited the spot where the protest was being held. Rajendra promised that he will discuss this matter with the ministry of environment and forest as soon as possible.

It is learnt that Rajendra, former MP Jayaprakash Hegde and Raghupati Bhat will head to New Delhi on Friday, November 2. The MLA said that the bandh on November 10, which was planned earlier if their demands were not met, stands cancelled.

Pejawar Math Seer Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji had also sat with the protesters for about 10 minutes as a token of support at the venue. The Swamiji was reciting the 'Vishnu Sahasranama' mantra continuously for the time he was with the agitators.

Swamiji said that the sand should be made available to all the people of the society and the environment also needs to be protected at the same time. The seer further said that he will resort to an indefinite hunger strike, if the present issue is not resolved by November 10.