Surathkal tollgate protesters summoned to court following police charge sheet
Surathkal: Protesters who took part in the 2022 agitation demanding the closure of the Surathkal tollgate on National Highway 66 have been served court summonses on Monday. The move comes after the Surathkal Police filed a charge sheet against more than 100 individuals, including Toll Gate Protest Committee convener Muneer Katipalla and Karnataka Congress General Secretary Mithun Rai.
The organization advocating for the removal of the toll gate had orchestrated a direct action in 2022, resulting in hundreds of protesters besieging the Surathkal toll gate, surpassing police surveillance. Over 250 protesters were arrested, and cases were filed against 101 individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Surathkal Police submitted the charge sheet in October 2023, citing the names of 101 protesters based on video footage of the protest. Katipalla expressed concern, stating that their organization had been categorized as anonymous protesters in the police case. He emphasized that the protest was non-violent and without fatalities, questioning the necessity of filing a charge sheet against 101 participants.
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Katipalla accused the police of acting under pressure from district MPs and legislators, anticipating the opening of nearly 10 toll gates in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. He alleged that the police's actions were an attempt to thwart objections and protests against the toll gates.
Joint-convener of the protest committee, BK Imthiaz, echoed Katipalla's sentiments, accusing the police of working as puppets in the hands of BJP legislators. Despite Congress being in power, Imthiaz questioned the police's alignment with the BJP agenda.
The protesters summoned to court vowed to resist what they perceive as anti-citizen moves by those in power and expressed their commitment to continuing their cause.
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Delhi schools suspend outdoor activities, plan early steps to shield students from heat
New Delhi (PTI): To shield students from heat-related ailments amid soaring temperatures and harsh afternoon sun, schools across Delhi have begun taking precautionary measures by suspending outdoor activities, shifting assemblies indoors, with some even considering early closure for junior classes.
From indoor games and hydration breaks to ORS consumption and modified dispersal timings, schools are tightening measures as the city braces for prolonged heatwave conditions.
Sudha Acharya, principal at ITL Public School in Dwarka, said all outdoor activities, including morning assembly and games, have been shifted to the school's multipurpose hall.
“We have issued an advisory to all parents to take precautionary measures before sending their children to school. We are also planning to close the school from classes 1 to 8 from May 14 onward if the weather conditions worsen," she said.
Mallika Preman, principal at Tagore International School in East of Kailash, said students have been advised to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours and keep themselves hydrated.
“We have suspended all outdoor activities, and students now play indoor games like carrom and chess. We have also modified the dispersal system so that students are not brought out until their parents arrive at their designated collection areas,” Preman said.
“This reduces their exposure to heat in the afternoon. Students have also been advised to wear caps or use umbrellas during dispersal,” she added.
Ritu Sharma, principal at Sovereign Public School in Rohini, said that teachers have been asked to closely monitor students for signs of heat exhaustion.
“Our priority is to ensure that children remain safe and comfortable during school hours. We are encouraging them to carry water bottles, avoid direct sun exposure and immediately report any discomfort. We have also arranged shaded rest areas and indoor engagement activities to reduce heat exposure,” she said.
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has launched a ‘Beat the Heat’ initiative for government, government-aided and private unaided recognised schools in Delhi in view of the heatwave conditions forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The initiative follows the Heat Wave Action Plan issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and aims to protect students from heat-related illnesses while promoting hydration, environmental awareness and care for animals and birds.
Under the initiative, schools have been directed to ring a 'hydration bell' daily in the penultimate period, during which every student will consume oral rehydration solution (ORS). Teachers will also briefly explain the importance of staying hydrated.
Schools have also been encouraged to create 'cool corners' with earthen water pots, promote a ‘one child-one plant’ green mission and appoint student volunteers as 'Jal Mitras' to place and refill water bowls for birds and stray animals, the advisory said.
According to the DoE, the other measures include ensuring safe drinking water stations, spreading awareness on heat stroke prevention, training teachers to identify symptoms of heat stress, and prominently displaying emergency helpline numbers across campuses.
The heads of schools have been asked to submit an action taken report on the implementation of the measures to their respective district offices by April 28, it said.
