Mangalore, Nov 21: Expressing their opposition to the installation of Auto-rickshaw Drivers' Display System (ADDS) , several likeminded organizations staged a protest in front of DC office in Mangalore on Thursday.
The protestors said the system will affect auto rickshaw drivers, exploit minority, schedule caste and schedule tribe community members and can also cause communal attacks.
Nearly hundred people took out a march from Nasik Hall, behind RTO office to Deputy Commissioner's Office, making their opposition known with hundreds of placards that read: “Stop exploiting auto rickshaw drivers”, “Don't divide us by displaying our caste”, among others.
Sudatta Jain, secretary of All India Labour Union addressing the protesters said, “Mistake committed by one auto driver by playing a role in the notorious Manipal gang-rape has led entire auto rickshaw driver community to face the load imposed by the RTO. Introduction of display card system in auto rickshaws means exploiting auto drivers in Mangalore and dividing them on communal lines.”
Mr Jain said that use of display card system is threat to minority community members as they are more susceptible to attacks during communal riots.
He said that the move will also curtail the freedom of the auto drivers.
Speaking about communist party's stand on the same, he said that the communist party leaders, who had to be with labour class, are trying to divide them and make use of the opportunity for their selfish motives. The CIP (M) leaders are exploiting their own party workers and are trying to keep them away from the party.
“The party which speaks of ethics and principals has nothing left with them. They are not with labour class in their fight,” he said.
Mr Jain said that when there is unique code system for auto rickshaws in Mangalore city and rural areas, there is no need of union code.
“On the other hand the police are arresting union leaders under Goonda Act and are linking them to land mafia. This is to harass labour class and prevent them from staging stirs,” he said.
Members of Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, labour union, Dakshina Kannada district auto drivers' union and others were present.
Comments
Add new comment