calling for action against improvised (illegal) vehicles and seeking relief for auto-rickshaw drivers. However, when no concrete steps were taken in response, members of the Union took to the streets. The protesters allege that a large number of improvised vehicles are plying the city’s roads without any registration or adherence to traffic regulations, severely impacting the livelihoods of legitimate auto-rickshaw drivers. Conversely, they point out that auto-rickshaw drivers are frequently being issued traffic fines (challans) despite possessing valid documentation, a situation that has sparked immense outrage among them.
The Union has placed a clear demand before the administration: either immediate and strict action must be taken against improvised vehicles, or auto-rickshaw drivers should also be permitted to operate with white number plates—without facing fines—to ensure that the same set of rules applies to everyone. Starting early this morning, a large number of drivers began gathering outside the DC office along with their vehicles. Within a short time, their numbers swelled into the hundreds, creating a traffic-jam-like situation across the entire locality. Chanting slogans, the protesters voiced their strong opposition to the administration. Perceiving the situation to be escalating, a heavy police force was deployed to the scene. Police officials engaged in dialogue with the protesters in an attempt to pacify them, while traffic flow was simultaneously managed to minimize inconvenience to the general public. Union leaders have issued a warning that if their demands are not met promptly, the agitation will be intensified in the coming days, potentially involving large-scale road blockades and sit-in protests. Currently, the situation outside the DC office remains under control, though the atmosphere remains tense as negotiations between the administration and the Union continue.
