Silvester D’ Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Dec 7: Navayuga Company which bowed to united and violent protests against collection of toll at Sastan, has agreed to exempt private and taxi vehicles in Kota district panchayat limts from collection of toll.

The protesters said that they have given land for construction of toll gate and hence demanded an exemption from the collection of toll. Navayuga Company which bowed to the protests has consented to two of the three demands put forth by the protesters. It has issued orders to exempt private vehicles and taxies in Kota district panchayat limits from payment of toll.

There were protests by Toll Horata Samithi for the last several months against toll gate opened at Sastan on NH 66. Navayuga Company which has been constructing four lane road for the last several years has started collecting toll before completing the works. Protests were held in district panchayat limits by closing shops and offices.

The protesters shouted slogans demanding exemption for local vehicles. Kemaru shree and Balekudru shree also took part in the protests. Protesters who expressed anguish, held meetings with MP Shobha Karandlaje, district MLA and deputy commissioner. They also gheraoed the toll gate as a mark of protest and were arrested. MP Shobha Karandlaje, MLA Raghupathi Bhat and other people were arrested and released.

There was police security during the protests. The protests finally proved successful. However as exemption is not provided to Udupi district taxi vehicles and protests are likely to continue till this demand is fulfilled.