Mangalore : Suratkal town observed a bundh and shopkeepers closed their shops voluntarily on March 27, Wednesday to pledge their solidarity with the Suratkal Nagarika Samithi which has launched a movement opposing the tollgate construction near NITK Suratkal.

A massive rally was taken and the NH near the NITK was blocked for some time as a mark of protest. The protest was participated by several elected representatives as well as office bearers of autorickshaw, tourist tax drivers owners as well as various other organizations.

Subhashchandra Shetty, President of the Nagarika Samithi who spoke at the huge rally said the tollgate construction was against rules. He said no tollgate can be constructed with the city corporation limits. Still the administration has permitted the construction. He also elaborated on the problems which the locals would face  in the event of the construction of the tollgate.

Revathi Putran, local corporator, also spoke on  the occasion, She said though the MCC had passed a resolution opposing the tollgate construction, still the construction was embarked upon. It will be prevented at any cost. She said.

Ramesh of Suratkal Nagarika Samithi, corporators Ashok Shetty, Pratibha Kulai, Sumitra, Ayaaz, former corporator, Harish, Mahabala Rai Mukka, Pushparaj Shetty Kudumbor and several others took part in the protest.