MLA backs drivers in stir against SP

He was addressing the drivers of transport vehicles who were staging a protest in front of DC office on Friday.

He said “for the last 30 years, labourers are being transported in the vehicles. None of the SPs have created any problem. The problem was created after the new SP came to Kodagu. The SP is harassing the drivers unnecessarily.”

Unemployed labourers come to the district in serach of jobs in jeeps. Where should the labourers go, he asked.

He assured to provide concession to the vehicles in Kodagu after consuliting ministers and officials concerned by December 15.

If police continue to harass, then a protest will be staged in front of SP office.

He urged the drivers to keep all the documents with them and not to overload the vehicles. Earlier, the MLA held a meeting with DC K H Ashwathanarayana Gowda, SP Manjunath Annigeri and RTO.

SP said: “I am following the rules. If the taxis use yellow board, then rules are being implemented. Changing the colour of the board is not a burden on the taxi drivers. Earlier, drivers had asked for time till December 15. There is no question of harassment.”

RTO Mehaboob Khan and SP spoke in favour of yellow number plates.  The DC received a memorandum from the protestors. Vehicle Drivers’ and Owners’ Association President M A Usman, DYFI Secretary P R Bharath took part in the protest.