Post News Network
Bhubaneswar: Violence marred the statewide strike staged by autorickshaw drivers Thursday against the introduction of app-based taxi services such as Ola and Uber, with the protestors intimidating people and even damaging many vehicles.
“I was going to drop people at Bhubaneswar railway station. When I approached the station, a group of protesters came with rods and blocked my vehicle. I pointed out that this is barbarism and that we are also working for a livelihood. They then threatened to damage my vehicle and my customers went without paying the taxi charge,” said Uber driver Narayan Thakur.
However, autorickshaw drivers who blocked vehicles on Cuttack Road were vehement in their stand.
“The entry of corporate app-based services such as Uber, Ola in the taxi sector will ruin us as it will rob us of a chance of earning our livelihood. These corporates are offering services at cheap rates and have the advantage of technology. However, we are poor people and will continue to fight for survival,” said Ajit Kumar Swain, an autorickshaw driver.
More than one lakh auto rickshaws and 20,000 taxis took part in the strike. The State Auto Chalak Mahasanga, which had called the strike, also submitted a memorandum to the transport minister Thursday.
“We submitted a memorandum to the transport minister and transport commissioner. We informed them that if they fail to resolve our problem within 15 days, we will intensity our protest,” said the president of the State Auto Chalak Mahasanga, Naba Kishore Mohanty.
A large section of the people have, however, criticised the autorickshaw drivers for calling a strike and have instead supported the app-based taxi services.
“I am not against auto rickshaw drivers but I support the app-based taxis as they offer a 24/7 dedicated service at very affordable rates. I think the government should not take decisions that adversely affect firms that are offering a better service,” said Kesava Panda, an Ola taxi customer who was forced to get out of the vehicle by the protesters.
