Mangaluru: SDPI warns of intensified agitation if proper mining policy is not implemented

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 26, 2025: Due to the ban on sand and laterite stone mining, building owners, contractors, and workers are facing severe hardships. The district’s economy has weakened, and daily wage workers who used to return home with their earnings are now struggling for survival for the past two months. Authorities and elected representatives have failed to resolve this crisis. “The government must immediately frame a proper mining policy and address the issue. If not, our protests will intensify, and we will lay siege to the houses of all MLAs in the district,” warned Ashraf Talapady, District Secretary of SDPI Mangaluru Rural.

Speaking as the chief guest at a protest rally organized by the SDPI Dakshina Kannada District Committee near the Clock Tower in Mangaluru, Talapady strongly demanded the formulation of a clear mining policy.

 

 

SDPI Mangaluru City District Vice President Ashraf Addoor expressed anger, questioning why MP Brijesh Chowta, who could use central government powers to hand over a rowdy-sheeter’s murder case to the NIA, cannot intervene to lift the green tribunal restrictions on CRZ areas.

Labor leader Rahman Boliyar said the government’s imposition of new taxes on stone quarrying has created additional hardships for the poor and middle class. He urged an immediate review and rollback of the new taxes.

The protest was attended by City District General Secretary Jamal Jokatte, City District Treasurer and Arkula Panchayat President Yasir Arkula, Rural District Committee Member Hanif Poonjalkatte, and others. Slogans were raised under the leadership of Shafiq Mallur, expressing outrage. The program was compered by Akbar Ali, City District Committee Member.