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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Trump says he ‘hasn’t even thought about’ continuing Iran ceasefire
Washington: US President Donald Trump has said he has not yet considered whether he would continue the ceasefire involving Iran, while also claiming the United States holds the advantage in negotiations.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he was prepared to make a deal with “whoever is running the show” in Iran.
“They are fighting with each other, there’s tremendous infighting. They’re probably fighting for leadership in many cases. I think they’re fighting not to be leader because we knocked out two levels of leaders,” he said.
Trump added, “When they want they can call me. We have all the cards, we’ve won everything.”
Referring to ongoing negotiations, he said, “They gave us a paper that should’ve been better. And, interestingly, immediately when I cancelled it [envoy trip to Pakistan], within 10 minutes we got a new paper that was much better.”
“We talked about they will not have a nuclear weapon, very simple … They offered a lot, but not enough,” he added.
When asked whether he would continue the ceasefire, Trump replied, “I haven’t even thought about it.”
The remarks come as uncertainty remains over the future of the temporary truce and broader negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
