Mangaluru
The Action Committee Against Toll Gate organized a dharna near Kuloor Bridge despite police refusal to grant permission for the protest. The demonstration was aimed at pressing for urgent action on several pressing issues, including the hazardous potholes on the highway, the delayed construction of a new bridge at Kuloor, the completion of the Nanthoor flyover, and the ongoing highway problems between Nanthoor and Surathkal on NH-66, which remain in disrepair.
Activists accused the city police of denying permission for a peaceful protest at the last minute. While the police restricted the use of loudspeakers and the setup of tents, the committee, along with other like-minded organizations, continued their protest by sitting by the roadside. The protest saw participation from various groups, including leaders and activists from CPM, Congress, Dalit organizations, trade unions, youth forums, women’s groups, and other social organizations.
Muneer Katipalla, convenor of the Action Committee, warned that if the issues on the Nanthoor-Suratkal National Highway are not addressed, the protest would be escalated with a march from Kuloor to the Deputy Commissioner’s office or the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Katipalla also announced plans to submit a petition to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, demanding action against the police for denying permission for the protest.
The protestors expressed dissatisfaction with the police for restricting their right to protest, accusing the police of acting in favor of the BJP. They also raised concerns over illegal activities such as gambling, betting, and massage parlours that are rampant in Mangaluru, which they claim are disturbing the city’s peace and tarnishing the state government’s reputation. Petitions will be submitted to the District Minister, Home Minister, and Chief Minister to address these issues.
