Auto Drivers To Protests Against Fuel Price Rise

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of auto-rickshaw drivers in Telangana has decided that it will organise a protest against the high prices of petrol and diesel in the state on June 25.

In this regard, the body issued a call to all the auto-rickshaw drivers of the state to drive with their headlights turned on throughout the day on June 25.

According to a press statement released today, JAC convener Mohammad Amanullah Khan alleged that it was a matter of "great regret and shame" that the BJP-led Centre, in "collusion" with the TRS government, was going on hiking fuel rates which was exacerbating the financial burden of various sections of society including auto drivers.

"In view of the current situation, our JAC has decided to observe a "black day" with a difference. On June 25, the auto drivers will keep their vehicle headlights on throughout the day as a sign of their protest against the apathy of the Centre and the state government. This will be done to condemn the high costs of petrol and diesel," the release states.

Further, in the release, Khan has appealed to other vehicle drivers of all categories, including drivers of taxis, lorries, two-wheelers, and cars, to also put on their headlights on the day of the protest to support the JAC's "Black Day", and to make its demonstration against the soaring fuel rates a success.

Citing the dual pressures of the rising fuel costs and the month-long lockdown that had disastrous effects on livelihoods, the JAC has demanded that the state government provide the necessary financial help to the drivers. Besides this, the auto drivers are also demanding that the government formulate the guidelines necessary to stop the ever-increasing "zulum" (oppression) and harassment of the state's private auto financiers.