Auto rickshaw drivers in Mangaluru protest against introduction of electric rickshaws
Mangaluru: On Thursday, the Association of Dakshina Kannada District Auto Rickshaw Drivers and Owners Unions, backed by various like-minded unions, staged a large-scale protest in Mangaluru, demanding the revocation of the permission granted to operate electric auto rickshaws in the district. The protestors, who are primarily concerned about the impact on their livelihoods, urged the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mullai Muhilan to reconsider the decision.
The protest began with a procession, labeled as ‘DC Office Chalo,’ which commenced at Ambedkar Circle (Jyothi Circle) in Balmatta and culminated at Clock Tower Circle in Hampankatta. The protestors insisted that the DC personally accept their memorandum outlining their grievances. To maintain order, security was heightened along the procession route, with barricades and police personnel strategically positioned to prevent any untoward incidents.
Sunil Kumar Bajal, a leader from the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), addressed the gathered crowd, accusing DC Muhilan of making a biased decision in favor of electric auto rickshaws. Bajal highlighted that Mangaluru, the district headquarters, has around 9,000 auto rickshaw drivers who depend on their vehicles for their livelihood. Introducing electric auto rickshaws, he argued, could threaten their source of income.
Bajal further questioned the rationale behind the decision, pointing out that neighboring districts have not received similar orders to introduce electric rickshaws. He suggested that the decision might be a result of a deal between the district administration and electricity supply companies. He also raised concerns about potential clashes between auto rickshaw drivers and law enforcement due to the increased number of vehicles on the roads. According to Bajal, Mangaluru city has 115 designated rickshaw parks, but space limitations often lead to disputes, with drivers facing legal action if they exceed the permitted parking limits.
The protest, described as a warning to the district authorities, included demands for the immediate withdrawal of the permission granted for electric rickshaws. The association also called for a comprehensive survey to assess the challenges faced by auto rickshaw drivers in the district and urged the authorities to find appropriate solutions.
Key figures in the protest included Ashok Shetty Bolar, the President of the Association, along with other leaders such as Aboobaker Surathkal, Mushtaq Ali, Stanley Noronha, Arun Kumar, and Appu Swamy, who participated in the demonstration.
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AR Rahman sends notice to 'slanderers' over speculations surrounding separation with Saira Banu
Chennai, Nov 23: Music composer AR Rahman on Saturday issued a warning to individuals speculating about his separation from his wife, Saira Banu.
Taking to social media on Saturday, the 57-year-old musician shared a three-page legal notice addressing those spreading defamatory and "objectionable" content targeting him and his family.
"Notice to all slanderers from ARR's Legal Team," Rahman wrote on X.
It comes days after Rahman and Saira Banu announced that they are ending their marriage of 29 years.
The notice provides a 24-hour window for the removal of such content, stating that failure to comply could result in legal consequences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
"My client informs the hatemongers and sharers of abusive contents to remove the objectionable content within the next one hour and a maximum time duration of 24 hours," read the notice.
Rahman’s legal team said the actions of these individuals not only tarnish his reputation but also cause distress to his family.
Rahman and Banu tied the knot in 1995 and share three children-- daughters Khatija, Raheema, and son Ameen.
Notice to all slanderers from ARR's Legal Team. pic.twitter.com/Nq3Eq6Su2x
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) November 23, 2024
