Pics: Sumanth Poojary

Daijiworld Media Network

Udupi, Aug 21: The Lorry Tempo Owners' Association, Udupi, has announced its support for the protest against the Kanchinadka toll plaza, led by Suhas Hegde, scheduled for August 24.

Ragavendra Shetty, the organizer of the Lorry Tempo Owners' Association, Udupi, expressed his opposition to the construction of the toll plaza at Kanchinadka in Padubidri during a press meet on August 21. He stated, "The common people are being harassed daily because of these tolls. The toll plaza lacks proper service roads as required by regulations, and local residents are being forced to pay. We strongly oppose the government's plan to build another unscientific and absurd toll on the Kanchinadka state highway."

Speaking about the toll gate, Ragavendra Shetty noted, "This new toll plaza is just six kilometers away from the existing toll gate in Padubidri. It seems the authorities are looking for ways to make money by constructing more toll gates. In the name of tolls and taxes, they are exploiting the poor. If the government needs blood, we are ready to donate every three months, but we will not pay the toll."

He further declared, "We will not allow the installation of this toll gate. We fully support the massive protest to be held under the leadership of Suhas Hegde."

Ramesh Shetty, president of the Udupi Taluk Lorry Tempo Owners' Association, Sathish Poojary of Kundapur, Vijay Kumar of Brahmavar, Manohar Kundar of Udupi, and others were present at the press meet.