Forums protest against toll collection in Talapady

A rally was taken out and a protest meet was held by various associations against toll collection at Talapady on Sunday. The protesters warned of intensifying the struggle if their demands are not met.

When the police stopped the protesters, an exchange of words between the parties took place, after which, the protesters resumed the stir sitting on the road.

Nagarika Hitarakshana Vedike was led by Talapady Panchayat president Suresh Alva, who said despite continuous protests, the Navyug company has not been listening to people. More than half of the works from Pumpwell to Talapady is incomplete.

Vedike president Vinaya Naik said that the construction of a toll plaza in Talapady is unscientific. The toll plaza divides Talapady into two. Those who go to educational institutions in the northern part of the toll gate are compelled to pay
toll.

The city buses should be let through the toll plaza without payment. Also, 50% concession in the toll should be provided to local commercial vehicles. Those who are collecting toll by force, must construct service roads at Talapady, KC Road, Kotekar, Kolya, Tokkottu, Kallapu and Jeppinamogaru junctions.

‘Attack on poor’

DYFI Kasargod district president Manikanthan said that the toll collection is an attack on poor people of Kerala.

DYFI Ullal regional secretary Jeevanraj Kuttar said that efforts are being made to suppress the protesters, but, fight will be carried on till the demands are met.

Nagarika Hitarakshana Vedike vice president Abbas Ucchil, Bantara Sangha Talapady president Jithendra Shetty, Bus Operators’ Association Talapady unit president Sharat Maroli, SSF Talapady members Hakim, Altaf and others were present.