Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Aug 29: Auto-rickshaw drivers held a protest under the leadership of their unions on Thursday August 29, objecting to the district administration’s decision to grant permission for electric auto-rickshaws to operate throughout Dakshina Kannada district.

The protest included a procession from Jyoti Circle to Clock Tower. Addressing the protesters, CITU leader Sunil Kumar Bajal said, “The deputy commissioner’s (DC) order allowing electric auto-rickshaws to operate across Dakshina Kannada is discriminatory and should be withdrawn. Otherwise, our protest will continue. This order has severely impacted the livelihood of auto-rickshaw drivers. The DC should either come to the spot or send an official representative. We will not leave until this happens. Officials claim this is a decision of the union government, but the order is being enforced only in Dakshina Kannada and not in neighbouring Udupi. The district administration has made backdoor deals with the electric auto-rickshaw supply company.”

Union leaders Ashoka Shetty, Bharat, Mohammed Ansar, Lokesh Ballalbagh, and others were present. As most auto-rickshaws were off the road, passengers faced significant difficulties, with only a few electric auto-rickshaws seen in operation.