Yuva Rajput Sabha Rally Seeks Halt of Toll Collection at Sarore, Dissent Escalates
Call for Toll Plaza Suspension Grows Stronger as Yuva Rajput Sabha Stages Protest
21-08-2023 : The Yuva Rajput Sabha members have intensified their call for the suspension of toll collection at the Sarore Plaza in Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir. This fervent demand comes nearly a week after the Sabha issued an ultimatum to the administration, citing subpar road conditions and a damaged bridge at Dayalachak.
With resounding chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” a multitude of Yuva Rajput Sabha activists, carrying the tricolor and their organizational flag, converged at the Sarore Toll Plaza. Flanked by several social groups, they assembled to underscore their collective sentiment.
The Jammu-Pathankot national highway has been grappling with traffic disturbances since July 19 when the bridge over Tarnah Nallah near Dayalachak succumbed to damage due to the surging Ujh River. In response, traffic rerouting towards the border village has been implemented to connect with the highway near Chadwal.
Denouncing the administration’s handling of the situation, particularly the bridge’s repair progress and the deplorable road conditions, the Sabha members launched a rally to the toll plaza. Their swift action included an immediate suspension of toll collection, accompanied by a stern warning to contractors against perpetuating the practice. The situation escalated when unidentified individuals within the rally hurled stones at the toll plaza cabins, causing damage to the glass structures.
A spokesperson for the Yuva Rajput Sabha declared, “We will not back down until the government issues an immediate order for the toll plaza’s suspension.” The members then initiated an indefinite sit-in at the toll site, steadfastly asserting the unwavering spirit of the Dogra community, known for its resilience against adversity.
Local residents voiced their concerns, questioning the rationale behind toll payment for road maintenance when the connectivity itself is severely compromised. They demanded the immediate suspension of toll collection, given the present circumstances.
The site witnessed a heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces, with administrative officials also present to manage the protesters’ agitation. On a related note, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha communicated his engagement with the authorities of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). He urged them to visit the site and assess the situation, with a view to making informed decisions for the road ahead.
