A group of auto rickshaw drivers today involved in a novel concept protesting against the proposed the Motor Vehicles Act, by seeking alms holding begging bowls in the city railway station, as part of the nation wide transport strike, called by various trade unions.
Though there are over 15,000 auto rickshaws in the city, about 80 per cent did not ply, even as the drivers and owners of the vehicles condemned the proposed amendments to the act, which could lead to suicide, a few drivers were heard making their comments.
Over 50 drivers were found seeking alms with the passengers alighting from the trains and expressed apprehension about their future livelihood, police said.
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Majority of the private buses remained off the road, the Government buses and mini buses were plying, which were enough for the public movement, police said.
In nearby Nilgiris district the strike is appeared to be near total, as almost all the auto rickshaws and taxies did not ply, hitting the tourism activities.
In Tirupur also, majority of the auto rickshaws and van joined the strike, with the State-run buses plied as usual.
Buses did not ply to neighbouring Kerala and no no buses had come from that State, affecting inter-state traffic after 6 Am and no no untoward incidents were reported so far,. police said.
