Mangaluru, January 31: Autorickshaw operators who had opposed DC’s orders to follow the revised reduced auto fares; gathered in at the Mangaluru Railway station and declare that they would charge Rs 25 which was the old fare and denied to follow the order.
After the meeting with DC A B Ibrahim and the RTA, the auto drivers immediately met district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai and requested him to permit them continue to with the old fares. It is gathered that Rai has assured them of looking into the matter and a meeting would be held on Monday February 2nd.
The auto rickshaw operators withdrew their strike after assurances from the district in-charge minister, and decided to resume their services immediately.
Vishnumurthy Bhat- leader of Auto Rickshaw Chalakara Horata Samithi addressed the auto drivers at the railway station and instructed them to charge Rs 25 as minimum fare from the customers. Even though it was supported by many auto drivers and their organizations, some opposed it.
Vishnumurthy also informed that against the DC’s order on revised auto fares that were issued on January 7th, an appeal was placed before the Karnataka high court. He also revealed that a notice has been sent by the high court to the DC which has sought clarification on the DC’s order.
