Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jan 23: Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje on Friday January 23 said that the persons who sparked trouble in Gangolli by setting fire to a shop were not locals but probably from Bhatkal.
Addressing a press meet at BJP officer near Kadiyali here, Karandlaje said, "The culprits were daring. They might be experts in such terror activities. They used 45 litres of petrol for this act (of setting fire to shop). They were not locals but must be from Bhatkal.
"The act was well-planned. The police have got the registeration number of the car used in the crime, and this car does not belong to Udupi district," she added.
Shobha alleged that Gangolli is becoming a target of terror activities as it is known to be a communally sensitive area.
"Political pressure is also there behind such acts. There is a need to take stern action against the culprits," she added.
Kasturirangan report
Referring to the Kasturirangan report, she said that the state government has appointed two sub-committees under the leadership of higher education minister R V Deshpande and environment minister Ramanath Rai. "The Supreme Court has said that meetings should be held in every village to collect public opinion. The cultural and natural landscapes report has to be submitted April 15 this year," she said.
Aadhaar card
Shobha Karandlaje said that out of 11.75 lac Aadhaar cards in Udupi district, 9 lac have been approved, and the remaining 2.75 lac will be ready soon.
She also alleged that the state government has created confusion about the card and urged it to find a permanent solution for issues related to Aadhaar. "People who do not have Aadhaar card need not to worry, because it is not compulsory at all," she said.
Slow pace of NH work
When asked about the delay in functioning of NH 66, she said that Navayug company that has the contract is facing shortage of funds. She also said that she met union minister for road transport Nitin Gadkari regarding this and urged him to complete the construction work soon.