Deekshith D V
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 20: For the past 13 days, an unusual sight has met passersby near the toll plaza close to NIT-K Suratkal. It is that of Asif Apatbandhava, who has been on a unique protest demanding the removal of the toll plaza, which he says is illegal and nothing but a way to loot the public.
The social worker's protest entered the twelfth day on Thursday, February 18. Several public members are extending their support by visiting the protest venue and spending a few minutes with Asif.
Speaking to daijiworld, Asif Apathbhandava said, "This is an indefinite protest. There is no question of withdrawing the protest till the deputy commissioner comes here and assures that the toll plaza which is looting the people will be demolished.
"We already have to pay toll fee at Hejamady toll plaza, and within 15 kilometers we are asked to pay again. When questioned by commuters, the staff at the toll plaza respond with abusive words. This is nothing but looting the people's money," he said.
He also termed the toll plaza as illegal. "The distance between the toll plazas at Suratkal and Hejamadi on NH 66 is less than 15 km. The NHAI guidelines state that the distance between two toll plazas should be 60 kilometers. Hence, this toll plaza should be removed. The authorities should stop looting public money."
He also said that according to rules, there should be no toll plaza under the city corporation limits.
Speaking on his unique manner of protest which included immersing himself in mud and garbing as a dead body, Asif said, "I did a unique protest to draw the attention of the public to show that such a type of protest is going on for a good cause. I aim to give a message to society. I laid on muddy water to show that politically we are in muddy waters. The protest as dead body is to show that though we have eyes, ears, and mouth, we are like dead bodies and we have remained silent against injustices. I became 'Samadi' because those who are ruling us have made the people live in 'Samadi' state by curbing our rights.
"I tied myself up to show that justice is shackled. I broke tube lights injuring my legs to show that we are walking on broken glasses in society. It means that we are being polarised on communal lines. We are suppressed politcally. The system has snatched away our freedom. People are willing to come out for the protest but they fear their organization or their political parties. I did shoe polish to show that we can lead a peaceful life even by polishing shoes instead of making money by looting a common man. Many people say I should not hold such types of protests as my health is not so good," he said.
Asif runs Maimuna Foundation (R) which oversees Apathbandhava Psycho Rehabilitation Center in Karnad, Mulky. He worked as an ambulance driver as well, rushing to help anyone in need. During the pandemic, he earned the appreciation of the district administration for his selfsless service.
Asif expressed concerns that society is being divided along communal lines. "But there are so many good people too. Today religious harmony is declining. Minds of young people are getting corrupted. Irrespective of caste and community, several people are coming to my protest. I have not allowed anyone to speak politics in my protest. I don't even want to join politics. I am a social worker. I have done the same thing for 10 years. I have carried more than 3,500 dead bodies. I ferried 900 bodies of people who died of coronavirus, arranged funeral for 850 bodies as per their respective religious customs."
Asif's health has deteriorated during the course of the protest. "Though my health is not good, I will continue my peaceful protest. I am not into any political party or organisation, nor will I join politics. I am doing this for a good cause in public interest."
Speaking on the recent attempt assault by transgenders, he said, "A few people of the third gender were looting the public and were involved in honey-trapping, but my fight has ended this problem."
He also appealed to the public to support his cause.