Hyderabad auto-rickshaw strike enters sixth day

Jan 27, 2007, 12:15 GMT

Hyderabad, Jan 27 (IANS) The indefinite strike by over 100,000 auto-rickshaws in Hyderabad and surrounding areas intensified Saturday as the drivers held demonstrations at the office of the Road Transport Authority and blocked traffic at a key junction.

The striking drivers led by trade unions leaders laid a siege at the RTA office in Khairatabad, leading to traffic jams in the busy area. Demanding withdrawal of a government order that makes installation of digital auto fare meters compulsory, the protesters shouted slogans against the government.

Tension prevailed for some time as police arrested some union leaders. The drivers then sat on the road causing severe inconvenience to motorists. They warned that they would lay siege at the RTA office along with their family members if the government failed to take back the order.

The protesters also damaged about 10 auto rickshaws that defied the strike call and were carrying passengers. Police resorted to caning and later arrested several protesters.

The talks between the government and the striking drivers have failed as the government has ruled out withdrawing the orders. The authorities argue that auto drivers take the commuters for a ride by charging extra fare or tampering with the existing mechanical meters.

Schoolchildren and office-goers continued to have a harrowing time due to the strike.

An estimated two million of 7.5 million people in Hyderabad, its twin city of Secunderabad and surrounding municipalities travel by auto-rickshaws every day.

© 2007 Indo-Asian News Service