Mankotia threatens to launch stir against Sarore toll plaza

Our Correspondent

Udhampur, October 13

Former MLA and Panther’s Party president Balwant Singh Mankotia has expressed strong resentment over the newly established toll plaza at Sarore in Samba district.

He said the economy and business of the state have been paralysed, as it completely depended upon tourism, which was hit after the abrogation of Article 370 and now, the NHAI had set up a new toll plaza, whereas there were three toll plazas already in Jammu region on the highway, which was not only the route of pilgrims, but also the lifeline for state’s economy, especially Jammu region, Mankotia said.

While speaking to mediapersons at Udhampur, NPP president Balwant Singh Mankotia said it was completely unjustified and unfair that people have to pay three different taxes for travelling on the 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 the Vajpayee-led government from 50 paisa/litre, which has now been increased to Rs8-9/ litre and; third, tax in the shape of toll tax, which is unacceptable. Criticising the work policy of the NHAI, Mankotia said NHAI fails completely in serving the general public. Terming the toll plaza as open ‘loot’, he said it was denting a common man’s pocket.

Mankotia said Panthers Party was deeply concerned over this issue and held a strong agitation against the hike and staged a number of protests. He said as per sources, NHAI was going to install another toll plaza on the National Highway between Kathua and Hiranagar, which was unacceptable. He said if people would not oppose such dictator-like attitude of the authorities, then NHAI would install more toll plazas in future.

Mankotia appealed to all political and non-political organisations to stand unitedly against the newly established toll plaza and the hike. He also threatened to launch a strong agitation.

Mankotia urged Governor Satyapal Malik and the Ministry of Roads and Transport to intervene in the matter at the earliest.