DDADU appeals auto drivers to follow directives

EMN DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 3 The Dimapur District Auto Drivers Union (DDADU) has reiterated its appeal to the auto drivers to follow its directives for better traffic flow and also to avert unwanted accidents. Stating that it has been constantly endeavouring to bring some discipline in the conduct of its driver community for better functioning and smooth conduct of its affairs, the DDADU, in a release issued by its president K. Hokaito Zhimomi, today directed all auto drivers to ensure that the brake lights and indicators are in right conditions to avoid unnecessary hazards. Overtaking without following traffic regulations has been reported by auto drivers on many occasions, more particularly on National Highway-29 and the same has been the cause of traffic disturbances and accidents on several occasions, it said. Therefore, the DDADU, considering the grievances of the people, directed the drivers to adhere to all traffic rules and help avoid disturbing the other motorists to drive in peace. The DDADU has also requested the auto drivers to get issued their identity cards at the earliest for the convenience of both the drivers and the union which will help in monitoring them for better and in extending necessary assistance as and when required. “An unregistered auto driver cannot be a member of the union and in case of any problem the union may not be in a position to intervene and resolve the issue on their behalf. So it will help us serve you better in times of need if one is a bonafide card holder, the DDADU said and requested the auto drivers to cooperate and do good things to help improve the image of our Dimapur for all to see. Auto drivers refuse to wear uniform The auto drivers of eleven parking zones under Dimapur, in a general meeting held at Signal Bazaar on November 1, have opposed the directive of DC Dimapur to wear uniform by October 31 last, stating that the decision to introduce uniform was taken without the consent of auto drivers in general. The auto drivers also maintained that the election of present president of Dimapur District Auto Drivers’ Union (DDADU) was not in the interest of the drivers as he was not elected to the post of president by auto drivers concerned. The auto drivers claimed that the present president was impeached by the union during his tenure as vice-president and therefore cannot be re-inducted into the union. In a statement, Hokhuvi P. Aye, who was elected president by the auto drivers during its general meeting held at State Stadium on March 18, 2014 stated that the November 1 meeting also discussed and condemned the continued collection of tax by DDADU despite a landmark judgment of Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, dated June 3,2014 upholding the order of the Chief Secretary Nagaland issued on May 31, 2012 and July 20, 2012 which prohibited trade union(s), association(s), NGOs, organization(s) from collecting fees, taxes etc in any form on the state or national highways and at market places. It said DDADU is collecting tax day and night. The drivers in general have resolved not to involve with DDADU in any matter whatsoever and has urged DC Dimapur to audit DDADU for the last two years and assess the amount of money the union has collected through taxation for their selfish interest but not anything for the welfare of the drivers. The statement made it clear that the auto drivers were not against the administration but drivers cannot comply with wearing of uniform as it is a purpose to serve the selfish interest of DDADU, which does not represent the genuine auto drivers. It said the drivers would not wear uniform that is imprinted with DDADU logo and as long as DDADU is collecting tax from auto drivers. The drivers also urged DC Dimapur to take measures not to issue driving license to illegal immigrants.