Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 27: Reiterating the demand to revise the rates of toll tax at Ban Toll Plaza, former MLA & NPP president Balwant Singh Mankotia today announced to further intensify the struggle in this regard by staging a one-day protest dharna by Panthers Party outside the office of NHAI at Channi Jammu on June 3.
While addressing a press conference, here today, Mankotia said that the Panthers Party was deeply concerned over callous attitude of the NHAI authorities, which have been repeatedly submitted memorandum against hike in toll tax. “Last month when he had submitted the memorandum to Project Director NHAI, he assured and appealed us to wait till new Government formation at the Centre as NHAI works under Union Government, which is going to assume office after the oath ceremony on May 30,” he added.
Drawing attention towards Governor Satya Pal Malik announcing exemption of locals Kashmiris from toll tax, Mankotia expressed his deep anguish over the double standards and continuous favouritism with Kashmir region & step motherly treatment with Jammu region. “In Kashmir, toll tax for 65 Km stretch is Rs 135 (both sides) where as it is Rs 200 for 65 km long Udhampur-Jammu stretch, which is grave injustice with the people of Udhampur,” he said.
Mankotia strongly batted for permanently removal of Ban toll plaza and said that common man was already paying several taxes, including 15 years advance road tax at the time of registration of a vehicle and cess of Rs 2 on Petrol/Diesel tax for NH widening from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Further, he added gradually increasing of toll tax rates every year at Ban toll plaza are pinching the pocket of common man and it should be revised or removed soon.
Mr Mankotia also warned aggressive agitation in future if no appropriate action is taken after one day dharna on June 3. He appeals people to join the one day protest dharna in maximum numbers on June 3 at 11 am outside the office of NHAI, Channi Jammu.
JKNPP District vice president Sunil Gudda, Advocate Mahadeep Singh and Sanjay Sharma were also present during the press conference.
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