EMN
Dimapur, March 2
Perhaps saving the last piece of credibility for the notorious auto rickshaws in Dimapur who have earned both the distrust and ire of the public over the years, owners have declared that there would be no strike by the transport service. The owners have advised against harassing the public further.
Likewise, the apex organization of the auto rickshaw services in the district, the Dimapur District Auto Drivers’ Union (DDADU, has assured the public that there would not be a ‘bandh’ on the March 4. Earlier, a group of auto rickshaw drivers calling themselves the “general autorickshaw driver's” had called for the strike in Dimapur.
The Dimapur Auto Rickshaw Owners’ Union issued a press statement on Monday, March 2 informing all in concern about a decision the owners took concerning the controversy after a group broke away and called a bandh.
The auto rickshaw owners conducted a meeting on March 2, where its executive members, members of the advisory board and office bearers attended. The union discussed issues concerning the indefinite ban called by “so called General Autorickshaw Driver's (GAD) at its government designated office.”
“After prolong deliberation it was unanimously resolved and inform all its members that there will be no ban on 4th March, since the problem in between the Dimapur District Auto-Rickshaw Driver Union (DDADU) and General Auto Drivers' Union. As it is a purely internal problem among the drivers,” the owners stated in the press release. “So, it must not create into the General public harassment.”
The union stated that the problem arose due to “forming another body so called General Auto Driver's Union” subsequently followed by opposition by some sections against the Regional Transport authorities’ revision of auto rickshaw fares. “Thirdly, against the membership fee of willing members of Dimapur District Autorickshaw Driver's Union by General Autorickshaw Drivers' Union,” the owners’ union has stated.
The Dimapur District Auto Owner's Union has asked the authorities in concern to settle the matter between the two parties for the greater interest and welfare of the public.
The owner's union has also resolved to approach the administration “for the cooperation on 4th March to control the situation for the smooth passage.”
DDADU disclaims bandh call
The DDADU has also disclaimed the call for bandh by a fringe group of the auto rickshaw drivers. The apex organization has directed all its members not to resort to any strike by ply their vehicles in the interest of the public.
“This is to inform all auto drivers and the general public that Dimapur District Auto Drivers Union has not called for autorickshaw strike on 4th March 2015,” stated a separate press release issued by the union on Monday.
“All auto drivers are therefore directed not to resort to any kind of strike, but take out their vehicles for interest of the general public,” the union stated.
