* LPG autos attacked
* STA, UT Police assure protection
* Auto union denies rumours of split

With the autorickshaw strike continuing on the fourth day, commuters were once again subjected to great hassle and inconvenience, which is likely to persist in the coming days as well.

On Thursday, there were a few instances where LPG-run autorickshaws were targeted by the protesting auto drivers. The matter, however, was resolved after the State Transport Authority and Chandigarh Police assured them of protection.

Refusing to budge, the agitating auto drivers have declared that the Administration would be held responsible for any violence. 

As the deadlock between the autorickshaw drivers and Administration continues, parents of schoolchildren remain the worst hit. Though some drivers resumed work and ferried students to schools, several parents had to depend on local buses or cycle rickshaws. Also, with government schools reopening from Friday and the end of strike nowhere in sight, no relief seems to be coming the way of students and parents. 

Rubbishing rumours of the strike being called off, chairman of the Autorickshaw Joint Action Committee Kamala Kant declared that the strike is on and would continue.

“The strike will carry on till our demands are not met by the Chandigarh Administration. The autorickshaw drivers will be protesting peacefully but if there is any incidence of violence, then the government will be entirely responsible for it. The vehicles will carry patients to medical institutes like PGI and GMCH-32 but not other passengers including students,” said Kant.

... contd.