Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)
Kundapur, Dec 23: A protest was held once again on Sunday opposing the collection of toll from local commercial vehicles at the Sastan toll gate. The demonstration, held in the presence of MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, resulted in instructions to maintain the status quo until December 30.
Protesters blocked two local gates, demanding an exemption from toll charges for local commercial vehicles within the Kota Zilla Panchayat limits.
As the protest intensified, Assistant Commissioner Maheshchandra arrived at the scene and held discussions with the protesters and the MP. It was then decided to uphold the status quo until December 30 and hold a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner (DC) to resolve the matter.
MP Kota Srinivas Poojary stated, “There is a rule that service roads must be provided on both sides of the toll gate for locals. However, the company has not adhered to this rule. If free movement of local vehicles is not allowed, we will demand the construction of service roads.”
Poojary assured the protesters of his support and discussed the matter with the DC and Superintendent of Police (SP). However, when the continuation of the status quo was initially denied, the protesters grew agitated and closed all gates.
Prominent leaders of the Highway Awareness Committee, including Shyam Sundar Nayari, Pratap Shetty, Vittal Poojary, Nagaraj Ganiga, Ganesh Poojary, Block Congress president Shankar Kundar, and Yashpal Suvarna, participated in the protest. Brahmavar circle inspector Divakar and Kota Sub-Inspector Raghavendra maintained law and order at the site.