Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)
Mangaluru, Sep 11: “Officials in Ullal are into maladministration and are supported by a former minister. They are depriving people from basic facilities and are spoiling peace in the communities,” blamed Nagarika Hitarakshana Samithi, Ullal honorary president Dinaker Ullal.
He was addressing the protestors in front of Municipal Council Office in Ullal.
“The MLA of the constituency is ignoring development in this region. However, by speaking about the country, he gains media attention. By carelessly granting licenses to construct residential and commercial complexes without provision for drainage has caused unrest between communities. As the matter of reservation in council administration is pending before the court, 37 councillors elected by people are sitting idle.
The council officials do not respond to councillors in matters relating to development in the wards. Though Rs 5 crores special grant and 14th financial scheme were applicable after the council was upgraded, there is no proper implementation. The council commissioner has failed to install 2,000 street lights,” he alleged.
Samithi chief secretary Zakir Hussain said that self-declared property tax is politically motivated. “The tax that was collected could have been utilized to convert Ullal as a model area. But the amount goes to the treasury of the MLA and the officials. Cases are being registered against those who oppose it and they are sent to jail. However, all the communities are prepared for protests now. People here are not afraid of threats,” he warned.
Bhagwan Das, former opposition leader, Ullal Municipal Council, alleged people are extorted in the name of tax. “Development is curtailed. Drainage facilities are not provided. Houses constructed under Ashraya scheme, after spending several crores of rupees are ruined,” he said.
He alleged that the council has paid two bills of Rs 1.5 lacs each for two public toilets at Thokkottu junction, but the toilets are not constructed yet.
“There is public talk that former minister and officials have a share in the apartments constructed in front of Ullal council office. Though there is atmosphere of sickness in Ullal junction, petty amount is charged as fine for namesake. The assistant police commissioner of Ullal should act with patience and should learn from Ullal station inspector. Let him not act arrogantly when asked about basic necessities. Mogaveera and Muslim community members at the seashore are soldiers of the seashore. The Municipal Council commissioner in Ullal is transferred to Someshwar. She may also be transferred to Bellary from there,” he said.
Chandrahas Pandith said that drinking water should be provided in the area, keeping politics aside. “Ullal is a peaceful area and officials should control their behavior,” he said.
A protest rally was taken out from Ullal Abbakka circle till municipal council office by members of Nagarika Hitarakshana Samithi, Ullal against injustice and corruption in the municipal council.
Honorary president Dinaker Ullal, president U K Mohammed Mustafa, chief secretary Zakir Ullal, former president Yashwant Ameen, Bhagwan Das, Mustafa Ahmed Patla, Hameed Ullal, Namita Gatty, Ashraf Bava Kodi, Shabir Kasim, Imthiaz Kotepura, Kabeer Ullal and others were present.