Youth takes out protest ride against fuel price hike, cycles from Calicut to Nepal

To register his protest against the soaring fuel prices and to draw the attention of citizens towards the issue, a youth from Kerala has embarked on a bicycle ride from Kerala to Nepal.

Kasaragod (Kerala): To register his protest against the soaring fuel prices and to draw the attention of citizens towards the issue, a youth from Kerala has embarked on a bicycle ride from Kerala to Nepal.

Akhilesh Achu, a physical training teacher hailing from Vellimadukunnu Poolakkadavu, Kozhikode, left for Nepal a few days ago on an old single-geared bicycle, which he has customized for his tour.

"Protest Against Petrol Price Hike, Kozhikode-Nepal," reads the board Akhilesh has attached on the front end of his bicycle.

"Even as the crude oil price in the global market has dipped, in our country the fuel prices have only risen," Akhilesh said. He said he intends to pass on a message to youngsters that reasonable protest is the responsibility of each citizen and it isn't limited to political leaders and parties.

On reaching Kasaragod on Friday, various organisations have him warm given receptions in solidarity.

During the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, held on April 6, Kollywood star Vijay had cycled his way to the polling booth. Though he did not announce the reason behind his act, it was widely interpreted on social media as a mark of silent protest against the rising fuel prices.