To express resentment over the changing of Dranaga-Sudhmahadev Tunnel, people of Marmat area staged a strong demonstration, here on Thursday.
According to reports, hundreds of residents from different areas of Marmat tehsil, including Goha, Bari, Roat, Mangota, Behota and Prabble, assembled at Bus Stand Goha and staged a strong demonstration. They also took out a rally which started from Bus Stand Goha and after passing through various markets, culminated in front of Tehsil Office Marmat, where the protesters also blocked the road.
The agitating villagers raised slogans against the administration for change in the location of Dranga-Sudmahdev Tunnel by the central government to Sudmahdev-Kensar Nallah, which is part of Ramban constituency.
“The tunnel project has been the dream for the people of this area since the last 10 years and changing its location will not be tolerated or allowed at any cost,” the protesters warned. They demanded to start work on the previous survey instead of changing to new survey as dozens of villages will be connected with Dranga-Goha road.
Later, Tehsildar Marmat visited the protesters and assured them that he will discuss the issue with higher authorities. After getting assurance, the people called off their protest. They also submitted a memorandum to Tehsildar Marmat Major Singh, at his office.
The protesters warned that if their genuine demand is not addressed, they will not have any other option but to come on the roads and stage massive agitation on the highway.