Auto strike hits normal life in parts of Odisha

Normal life was affected in some parts of Odisha today due to a dawn-to-dusk strike called by auto-rickhaw operators in protest against app-based auto services and atleast four persons were arrested for indulging in violence here.
Auto-rickshaws at several places including the capital of Bhubaneswar and seaside tourist destination of Puri remained off the roads during the 12-hour strike, called by All Odisha Auto Chalaka Mahasangha, police said.
The strike remained by and large peaceful barring a few stray incidents of violence in Bhubaneswar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Satyabrata Bhoi, said.
Four persons were arrested in connection with violence and strong action would be taken against those indulging in unruly and violent behaviour, he said.

Few vehicles were damaged in the agitation in Bhubaneswar and commuters suffered inconvenience because of the strike. A large number of tourists were seen stranded at the railway station and bus-stand in Puri as auto-rickshaws didn't ply.
Supporters of the bandh took out a rally from Master Canteen Square here and staged a demonstration while activists of Bhubaneswar Autorickshaw Mahasangha held picketing in different parts of the city.
Strongly condemning violence during the agitation, Ashwin Dias, General Manager, Uber (East), said "use of violence is aimed at intimidating our driver-partners who are working to make an honest living. This is unacceptable and violates the basic freedom of choice and the right to work."

He said "local authorities and the state government aware of these incidents and we are working with them to ensure safety of our riders and driver-partners.