Ullal: A massive protest and bundh was held at Mudipu by Nagarika Kriya Samithi against the bus fare.

No one has gained from the various plans introduced by the central government including the reduction in fuel prices. Diesel prices have come down despite this; the bus fare has not been reduced. However, if would be continued likewise then we will stand for a protest against the bus owners or the concerned officials, said district panchayat member Santosh Kumar Rai Boliyar.

Boliyar said that soon after the diesel prices descended, we held discussions with the bus owners regarding the reduction in bus fare but no action has been taken, further we have not received any response from the concerned officials, hence we are protesting, “but still if they delay their reply, our protest will be intensified after January 7,” he stated.

Nagarika Kriya Samithi president Rajaram Bhat said private buses charges more fare, even though their drivers and conductors get good amount of salary than the private bus staff, also bus fares are uneven in the private buses and they treat like an animal, he said.

When the bundh was called in the area, bus owners supported the protesters. Shops were open as usual. Ambulances service was also not interrupted.

Kurnadu panchayath President Devdas Bhandary, Kurnadu Shakti centre president Naveen Padalpady, BJP leader Azgar Ali, JD(S) leader Moideen, Siraj and Abdul Rahiman were present.