Sarore Toll Post: Protests turn into movement, Samba bandh Wednesday

Jammu: The agitation demanding suspension of Sarore Toll Plaza has taken the shape of a movement with several organisations including NGOs, political and non-political extending support to the Yuva Rajput Sabha — the body spearheading the protest.

The Vayapar Mandal however, has also given a call for Samba shutdown on Wednesday.

Notably, the District Administration has imposed restrictions under Section 144 and detained several activists of Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS) protesting against the charge of toll from public at Sarore in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The YRS members on Monday chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, carrying tri-colour and organisational flag flanked by various social and political bodies, reached the Sarore Toll Plaza demanding lifting of toll in view of poor road condition and damaged Tarnah bridge at Dayalachak on July 19 due to flash floods.

The YRS activists staged a sit-in at the toll site following which police assisted by paramilitary forces swung into action and detained them.

However, demanding the release of the YRS activists, hundreds of supporters from political outfits, transporters, social and non social organisations held a strong protest following which, heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces resorted to lathi-charge to disperse them.

The protesters also retaliated with stone pelting thus forcing the police to trigger a few rounds of tear gas shells.

The protesters have given two hours ultimatum to the district administration to release the detained YRS leaders else they will be “provoked” to intensify the agitation.

The detained YRS activists have also staged an indefinite hunger strike inside the District Police Lines as protests continued at Samba.

In a video viral on social media, the YRS leaders are appealing to the people of Jammu region irrespective of religion, caste, colour and creed to unite for the cause and fight for the interest and welfare of the Jammu.

The traffic on Jammu-Pathankot national highway was restored later. Meanwhile heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces are made to diffuse any tension.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday had said that he spoke to the authorities of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to visit the spot and take a review for further necessary decisions in this regard.

UNI