DC convenes emergency meeting, holds discussions on Suratkal tollgate dilemma

Mangaluru: In response to the ceaseless agitation for the closure of the tollgate at National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) since the last one week, the Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner (DC), Sasikanth Senthil, held an emergency meeting with the representatives of the protesters to discuss the issue on Monday October 29^th.

The meeting was also included a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official along with the additional secretary of the state government. The official admitted that discussions were on about the merger of the Suratkal and Hejamady tollgates, but the senior officials of the NHAI are yet to take a decision, the official clarified.

Mr Senthil informed the protesters that a meeting would be held during the first week of November on the issue with the participation of minister, U T Khader, and a final decision would be conveyed after holding talks with the state chief secretary. The DC also assured to hold a meeting with the tollgate protesters at Bengaluru within a week on the issue, and pleaded with them to review their decision on the continuing with their ongoing dharna.

Speaking on the issue of the old Kulur Bridge the DC said that the old bridge at Kulur will not be closed down during the period works are undertaken, and that opinion of the locals and people’s representatives would be pooled on the issue. A sub-committee has been formed for the purpose, hje revealed.

Muneer Katipalla, Convener of the protestors said that they are determined to carry on with the fight till the tollgate is shut down. Pointing out the state level meeting being held in the past on this issue, and its failure to give a clear solution, Mr Muneer said the dharna will not be shelved till the demand is met. However, he appreciated the DC holding a meeting I response to the protest.

The failure of the local MLA, Dr Bharath Shetty, and MP, Nalin Kumar Kateel to give their full support to the protest on the closure of the toll gate has made the protestors furious.