Agitation for direct train snowballs into mass movement

Some 10,000 agitators have announced that they will assemble at the Junagadh railway station on the same day to support Dave. On Monday,Keshod citizens submitted a memorandum to the deputy collector and station superintendent. After that,11 local leaders were arrested and later,they were released on bail.

Dave (70) said he has written a letter to the district superintendent of police about his agitation and future plan of action. “I,along with hundreds of supporters from Keshod,Veraval and Una cities,will fast at the Junagadh railway station from January 23 onwards,” he said,adding that he fears being arrested before January 26.

“In a bid to create awareness among the general public,the agitating leaders have decided to organise 116 camel cart yatras across the district from January 23,” Dave said.

Apart from Dave,Veraval Lok-Jagruti Manch,Keshod Hit Rakshak Committee and Una Lok-Shangharsh Committee — the umbrella organisations of their respective towns — have announced their total support to the agitation .

According to the Veraval Lok-Jagruti Manch leaders,on January 19,a rally has been planned in Veraval city. Besides,leaders will stage house arrest during January 23-26. “I have also written to L K Advani and Keshubhai Patel in this regard. Legal help from over a dozen lawyers in the Gujarat High Court has also been sought,” said Dave.