NewsKarnataka-Mysore

Mysore: Autorickshaw drivers of the city resorted to a flash strike on January 2, Thursday condemning the Union Government decision to hike the prices of Auto LPG with effect from midnight. The strike left Mysorites in trouble while also leaving  people stranded at railway stations and bus stands.

The autorickshaw drivers were greatly agitated over the all of a sudden hike in Auto LPG price   by Rs 11.50. They even staged protests at various places in the city. Some autorickshaw drivers even took out a protest march from the railway station till the office of the city Police Commissioner and staged a demonstration outside the office.

Police officials meanwhile tried to persuade the agitating autorickshaw drivers to withdraw their strike saying such flash protests would only be hitting hard the common man. They also requested the autorickshaw drivers to submit their memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner.

Auto service by cops:  Realising the problems faced by the people, City Police Commissioner Dr Saleem took immediate steps to offer conveyance facilities to women, children and old people who remained stranded in bus stands and railway stations. The Commissioner himself monitored the arrangements made.

Meanwhile, the autorickshaw drivers are adamant on their stand and have said there was no question of withdrawing the strike unless and until the hike was revoked. They have also demanded  hike in the minimum autorickshaw fare to Rs 25.

They have further warned to boycott the ensuing elections if their problems were not solved. They said autporickshaw  drivers were cheated in the LPG bunks in the city and also pointed out that only 3 out of the nine bunks in the city are operative.