Jammu, Aug 21: Amid massive protest demonstration by Yuva Rajput Sabha and Brahmin Sabha on Monday, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) categorically stated that the collection of tolls at Sarore toll plaza in Samba district will not be suspended, saying relaxation in toll collection has already been given there.
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (UT), Manoj Sinha on Sunday said he had spoken to the authorities of the NHAI to visit the spot and take a review for further necessary decisions in this regard.
“The toll collection at Sarore toll plaza will continue no matter whosoever is protesting,” Regional Officer, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Shiv Shanker told Rising Kashmir, adding, “Already, we have given 25% relaxation in toll keeping in view the people’s demand due to poor condition of the national highway.”
The relaxation in toll was given by the NHAI on the 6th of this month as per which the people have to pay 25% less than the toll they had been paying prior to August 6.
“As per our gazette, we have already given relaxation and there is no provision for giving further relaxation or suspending the toll collection,” the officer said.
Earlier in the day, the Yuva Rajput Sabha held a massive protest demonstration at Sarore toll plaza demanding the suspension of toll collection. There was a minor scuffle between police and the protesters who also removed the censors at the toll plaza.
“We have registered an FIR in this case,” SSP Samba, Benam Tosh said.
Meanwhile, the protesters are still holding a dharna alongside the national highway near the toll plaza. “We will continue our protest until the toll collection is suspended at Sarore toll plaza,” President, Yuva Rajput Sabha, Jammu Urban, Rajeev Jamwal said.
