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Takoli residents block road, demand exemption from toll tax

The residents of Takoli panchayat in Mandi district have objected to the toll charges at the Takoli toll plaza on the Kiratpur-Manali fourlane road, demanding that their area be granted toll-free status. In a demonstration held recently, villagers voiced their...
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Local residents protest at Takoli toll plaza on Saturday. Tribune Photo
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The residents of Takoli panchayat in Mandi district have objected to the toll charges at the Takoli toll plaza on the Kiratpur-Manali fourlane road, demanding that their area be granted toll-free status. In a demonstration held recently, villagers voiced their frustration over the toll collection, which they claim has negatively impacted their daily lives.

The protest saw locals partially blocking the road and raising slogans against what they described as the “NHAI’s disregard for their requests.” Ever since the setting up of the toll plaza, the issue has become a point of contention between the residents and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Prem Singh, president of the Youth Union of Tokoli, spoke about the long-standing demands of the villagers. “We have been asking for toll exemption for a long time, but our requests have been ignored,” Singh stated. He emphasised that the local residents are heavily reliant on the road for their daily commuting and the toll charges are a financial burden on them. The protesters said that if their demands are not addressed promptly, they would escalate their protest.

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Upon learning about the protest, Aut Police led by Station House Officer Rajat Rana arrived at the scene and worked to de-escalate the situation with the assistance from the Tehsildar. A meeting was organised between the protesting villagers and local authorities to discuss the issue. During the meeting, the authorities assured the villagers that they would take the matter up with higher officials to seek its resolution.

The meeting was attended by several other prominent figures, including former District Council member Krishan Pal Sharma, current and former panchayat heads and other villagers. Tokoli Toll Plaza Manager also participated and confirmed that efforts would be made to resolve the issue by engaging with senior officials from NHAI.

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