Mangaluru: An indefinite hunger strike organised by the Netravathi Samrakshana Samyukta Samithi against the implementation of the Yettinahole project began here today with social, political and religious leaders cutting across various communities joining hands. 

Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, spearheading the group of protesters against Yettinahole project was among several arrested and removed by the police.

Muslim Central Committee President Masood launched the hunger strike garlanding the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the Town Hall premises. 

Later religious heads accompanied by members from different organisations and college students marched to the Deputy Commissioner's office. 

Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of Moodabidri Matt called on the gathering to unite to safeguard the interests of Dakshina Kannada district and take the fight to the Delhi. 

The Chief Minister remaining silent over the issue when the coastal regions of Mangaluru and Bantwal were facing a drought like situation was unacceptable, Sri Rajashekarananda Swamiji of Gurpur Vajradehi Matt said. 

Sri Esha Vittaldas Swamiji of Kemar Matt and Odiyoor Sri Gurudevananda Swamiji were among those who voiced their opinion in favour of hunger strike. 

President of Karavali Group on Institutions, Ganesh Rao, Zilla Panchayat President Meenakshi Shanthigodu, Satyajith Suratkal, former minister Krishna J Palemar, Yogish Bhat, Harikrishna Bantwal, Shashi Raj Kolambe and Monappa Bhandary were also present during the protest. 

A signature campaign was held during the hunger strike. 

The collected signatures would be sent to the governor seeking to stop the Yettinahole project. 

Students from Karavali College and women from Mogaveera community also joined the march supporting the hunger strike.