John Wilbert
Port Blair, Feb 03: All Auto Unions under a Joint Action Committee decided to stop all Auto Rickshaw services and organized a peaceful protest in various places such as Aberdeen Bazar, Bambooflat, Tushnabad, Burmanalla, Wandoor and all auto stands in South Andaman from today morning onwards.
Auto Rickshaw drivers told Andaman Sheekah Daily that this step has been taken against the alleged harassment that auto drivers are facing from the RTO/STA & Traffic Police units. They demanded to stop the harassment by RTO/STA & Traffic Police for fitness and permits.
Auto Rickshaw drivers alleged that while challans are imposed on them heavily, other vehicles owners are given free hand. “Rules must be same for all. If Challans are imposed it must be imposed on everyone, if not then no one should be challaned,” said an auto driver.
Mr. Anand Kumar, the General Secretary of Kalapani Auto Union told Andaman Sheekha Daily that it’s a peaceful protest and no auto-rickshaw in Port Blair will carry passengers.
He claimed that until their demands are fulfilled the Auto Rickshaw services will not resume.
He said that due to harassment of RTO/STA & Traffic Police they are forced to take this action.They also highlighted that auto drivers are facing survival crisis due to these alleged unfair rules during this pandemic time.
