Kullu, June 12
A youth identified as Karndev Bodh has been sitting on an indefinite hunger strike at Dhalpur Ground in Kullu for the past three days, demanding immediate improvement of the Hathithan-Manikaran road and speedy disposal of pending revenue matters.
The protest highlights growing public dissatisfaction over deteriorating road infrastructure and delays in revenue-related work in the district.
According to Karndev Bodh, the condition of the road stretch from Hathithan to Manikaran has deteriorated to an extremely poor state, leading to frequent traffic congestion lasting several hours. He said the damaged road has caused major inconvenience to commuters, government employees, and students, many of whom are unable to reach their workplaces and educational institutions on time.
He further alleged that delays in revenue-related work, including pending land partition and other tehsil matters, have added to the difficulties faced by residents.
“Until concrete steps are taken to improve the condition of the Manikaran road and pending revenue matters are resolved, my hunger strike will continue,” Karndev Bodh said during the protest.
He stated that land belonging to him had been acquired for road construction projects, but the area’s residents had still not received adequate road infrastructure. He also claimed that his land near Hathithan was acquired for the four-lane highway project, yet the expected infrastructure benefits had not materialised.
Karndev Bodh additionally demanded compensation for land acquired under the four-lane project, based on the factor-two compensation norms.
Accusing the state government of delaying justice for affected residents, he alleged that the government had obtained a court stay in the matter. He demanded that the stay be removed so that affected landowners could receive their rightful compensation.
The protester reiterated that his indefinite hunger strike would continue until his demands were addressed.
