Union leaders condemn violent incidents

Rajahmundry, Dec 28: Various auto and taxi workers unions have described as unfortunate yesterday's incidents in which more than 30 people were injured.

At separate press briefings here today, Rajahmundry Auto-workers Union President Vasamsetti Gangadhar, Telugu Nadu Trade Union Congress Leaders Varre Srinivas and Ganni Krishna and Andhra Pradesh Auto, Taxi Driver Union Chief M Ramakrishna said though the auto drivers took part in the protest against disallowing autorickshaws to ply on National Highway No 5 in their individual capacity, they were lathicharged.

Police arrested 20 auto drivers who were later remanded to custody, the claimed.

INTUC Leader Assamsetti Gangadhar said the government must withdraw GO MS 213 under which police allegedly penalised the drivers plying autorickshaws on NH 5.

He wanted the government to constitute a committee go into the accidents on the NH 5 and revenue loss to APSRTC from autorickshaws plying on the highway.

Mr Gangadhar also wanted the withdrawal of cases and suspension of the GO even as he condemned the incidents.

He said a memoranrum was given to Road and Buildings Minister Jakkampudi Ramamohan Rao and the Chief Minister requested to suspend to controversial GO.

Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh Leader M Ramakrishna said some anti-social elements entered the scene and took law and order into their hands.

UNI