Yahya Hallare
Daijiworld Media Network – Bhatkal (EP)
Bhatkal, Aug 17: At least a thousand protesters from among locals and more than fifteen organisations, on Wednesday, August 15, held a protest rally under the leadership of Majlis-e-Ishlahava Thanzeem here, demanding the NH66 pass through the bypass. They later submitted an appeal to the assistant commissioner about the same.
“Bhatkal is a beautiful city at the southern tip of Uttara Kannada district proclaiming religious harmony between Hindu and Muslims. Construction of national highways has created a rift between two communities. It spoils harmony in Bhatkal. Therefore, the highway should instead be constructed through the bypass,” they stated in the appeal.
"Private land in Bhatkal is only a few hectares. It is not sufficient for daily life. Three hundred meters of land was earmarked for national memorials. It has increased the scarcity of land. Additionally, if private land gets taken over by the government for construction of national highways, the lives of locals will be tragic. Shops, houses and commercial complexes have come up on either sides of Shamsuddin circle, the heart of the city. Thousands of people have secured jobs because of them. The department has already completed the primary survey to construct flyover in Shamsuddin circle. It will cause several problems in the days to come, spoiling harmony between Hindus and Muslims. Loss of lives has increased due to highway passing through the city. Therefore, bypass is the only solution to avoid them. If that it impossible, a single pillar, 30-meter wide flyover, like in a metro, can be constructed from Usman Nagar to Hanifabad Cross with the provision for service road below it,” they stated in the appeal.
Rabita Society, Trader's Association, Seva Vahini, Taluk Citizen Welfare Forum, Auto Rickshaw Owner and Driver's Association, president of Municipal Council, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Bhatkal Taluk Working Journalists Association, Highway Campaign Committee, top emergency help associations participated in the protests.
Mohammed Muzummil Kazia, Rajesh Naika, Venkatesh Prabhu, L S Naika, Mohammed Sadik Matta M J, Abdul Rakhib, Althaf Kaharuri and several of the elite were present.