Shadow Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, 17 Oct:
Up in arms against NHAI, Scores of NPP activists comprising senior leaders Sarpanchs/ Panchs/Councillors staged massive protest & also burnt effigy over newly established Toll Plaza at Sarore in Samba district as well as against the hike in the rates of Ban Toll plaza.
While leading a massive protest at Slathia Chowk Udhampur, Former MLA & Panthers Party President Balwant Singh Mankotia said that economy & business of the state is totally paralysed as it is completely depends upon tourism which is already affected after the abrogation of Article 370 & Now NHAI has installed new toll plaza where as there are already three toll plazas in Jammu region on the highway, which is not only route of Pilgrims but also life line to the economy of the State, especially Jammu region, Mankotia added
Criticising NHAI over their dictatorship, NPP President Balwant Singh Mankotia said that numbers of established toll plazas in Jammu region is big burden on the Pilgrims & Tourists as well as pinching the pocket of common man.
He blamed that tourism & economy of the state especially of Jammu region hits badly after installation of new Toll plaza at Sarore & due to hike in the rates of Ban Toll plaza.
Mankotia explained that few months ago NPP had launched strong agitation against the hike in the charges of toll between Udhampur-Jammu but due to the lack of cooperation from others political & non political organisation of Jammu region, there has been no change in the rates yet, he regretted
Mankotia said that it is completely unjustified & unfair that people has to pay three different taxes for travelling on same road.
He explained that when one person buys a new vehicle he has to pay 15 years advance road tax, secondly cess on petrol/diesel which was started during Vajpayee’s led government from 50 paisa/litre which is now increased upto ?8 – ?9/ litre & third tax in the shape of toll tax which is unacceptable.
Mankotia also extended his full support to Bandh Call of Transport Union & said that it is the time to stand unitedly against the ill work policy of NHAI.
Mankotia informs that Panthers Party is deeply concerned over this issue and they will continue their struggle against the Newly established Toll Plaza at Sarore as well as against the hike in the rates of Ban Toll plaza.
Mankotia warns for aggressive agitation if Sarore toll plaza will not remove & charges of ban toll plaza will not revise.
Scores of party activists along with senior leaders comprising Sarpanchs/ Panchs/Councillors were also present during protest.
