JKNPP protests against harassment of auto rickshaw operators

JKNPP president Balwant Singh Mankotia leading a protest march in support of auto rickshaw operators.
JKNPP president Balwant Singh Mankotia leading a protest march in support of auto rickshaw operators.

Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Aug 1: Accusing the State Government of harassing Auto rickshaw drivers, JKNPP activists, led by their president and former MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia, took out a strong protest march, here today.
Amidst raising of slogans in support of the demands of the Auto drivers, the JKNPP activists passed through different bazars of the town and the protest March finally culminated near DC office Udhampur where a memorandum was submitted to DC Udhampur, Neeraj Kumar.
Mr Mankotia brought to the notice of DC Udhampur, that auto drivers were being harassed by Motor Vehicle Department for installing electronic meter identified by MVD whereas meters have already been installed in auto from last so many years. Yesterday, motor vehicle department had published a rate list which is highly objectionable ,unfair and unjustified, he added and demanded immediate roll back of the said list.
The JKNPP leader alleged that these attempts were aimed to bind up the auto rickshaw transport business, especially in Jammu province as it was not possible to survive for a poor auto rickshaw if the new rate list/fair chart is implemented.
The Deputy Commissioner assured that with in a week’s time, all their genuine issues will be sorted out.