SONAMURA: Long-distance vehicle drivers at Sonamura Motor Stand suspended passenger services for nearly four hours on Sunday morning, protesting the unchecked operation of permit-less battery-run autos that they claim have severely affected their business.
The drivers alleged that battery-operated autos without valid permits have been freely ferrying passengers across various locations in Sonamura subdivision, causing substantial revenue losses to long-distance vehicle operators. Services remained suspended from morning till around 11 am as drivers demanded urgent intervention from the authorities.
Following the protest, BMS office-bearers held discussions with the drivers at the motor stand. Those present included Sonamura Mandal President Shubhrajit Das, Nagar Panchayat Vice-Chairman Shahjahan Mia, BMS Sipahijala District Secretary Biplab Majumder, Sonamura Motor Stand Secretary Yusuf Mia, and President Selim Maisan, among others.
After extended talks, drivers resumed passenger services on being assured that organisational and district-level authorities would engage with concerned stakeholders to address the issue of unregulated battery-run vehicles across the subdivision in the coming days.