Protest demanding taluk status for Ponnampete gaining momentum

The protest demanding taluk status to Ponnampete has gained momentum and a voluntary bandh was observed between 6 am and 12 noon on Monday in 21 gram panchayats coming under Ponnampete.

A large number of villagers from in and around Ponnampete gathered near the bus stand and held a roadblock.

The Horata Samithi members said that the chief minister will visit Kodagu district on Tuesday. The committee will impress upon him the need for forming Ponnampete taluk. Depending on his response the future course of action will be taken.

Karnataka Forest Development Corporation vice president Mangera Padmini Ponnappa said that for the benefit of the people of Birunani, Kutta, Thithimathi, Karmady, Balele, the Ponnampete taluk should be constituted.

Horata Samithi convener Machimada Ravindra said all the taluk offices of Virajpet taluk function from Ponnampete. Even the work on the new court is in progress.

The shops and business establishments in Ponnampete, Gonikoppa, Thithimathi, Balele, Srimangala, Hudikeri, Birunani, Kutta and surrounding areas remained closed till noon on Monday.