Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Mar 9: Dakshina Kannada District Online Taxi Drivers Association on Tuesday March 9, staged a protest in front of the clock tower holding nooses in their hands, opposing hike in petrol and diesel prices. They also demanded that operators like Ola and Uber pay the price fixed by the government to the online taxi drivers.

Honourary president of Dakshina Kannada District Online Taxi Drivers Association, B K Imthiyaz, said that as the government raised the petrol and diesel prices, the online taxi drivers are suffering. They are not able to pay the EMIs to the banks, run their families or pay the school fees of their children, he said.

"There were high expectations from the Karnataka government's budget. But all our expectations were shattered,' he said.

He also alleged that the union government is favouring the capitalists instead of protecting the interests of the poor.

"Ola and Uber companies should pay the amount as per the government's direction, but are failing to do that. If they fail to hike our commission, we will hold an indefinite strike," he said.

N Ravindra, Naushad and others were present.