Autorickshaw operators in Mangaluru have decided to continue their strike for another day following the failure of talks with the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) on Thursday.
ADVERTISEMENT
The RTA has refused to withdraw the January 9 fare notification reducing the fares. Following the operators’ stand not to adhere to the notification, the RTA threatened to withdraw the District Magistrate Notification for permit-holders specifying the city limits. The operators cannot continue the illegal strike affecting the general public, said a release from the RTA. With this, autorickshaws having permit to ply anywhere in Mangaluru taluk could operate in the city with the fares decided by the RTA. The release said that another meeting called to resolve the issue on Thursday was a failure and hence, the Deputy Commissioner, who is also the Chairman of the RTA, would withdraw the Magistrate Notification, if the strike continues. The RTA termed the strike illegal and against the interest of the general public.
The unrelenting operators have, however, decided to continue the strike on Friday too. General Secretary of CITU-backed autorickshaw drivers union Mohammed Ansar told The Hindu that if the Deputy Commissioner threatens to withdraw the Magistrate Notification, the operators are capable of halting autorickshaw operations (about 37,000 vehicles) in the entire district.
The strike that continued for the second day affected the general public, particularly those arriving from outside Mangaluru by bus and trains.
ADVERTISEMENT
Also affected were parents of several schoolchildren dependent on autorickshaw services.
Autorickshaws from outside may ply in city: DC