Auto rickshaw drivers hit during nationwide lockdown

STAFF REPORTER

GUWHATI: The third phase of lockdown was announced with a slew of relaxations in the State. However, along with the daily wage earners, the auto rickshaw drivers, especially those residing in the city as tenants, are currently going through the toughest phase of their lives.

The president of Auto Rickshaw Owners' Association Eusuf Ahmed claimed that as a result of the nationwide lockdown the auto rickshaw drivers as well as the owners are going through a lot of problems. Ahmed said that as the auto-rickshaw drivers are daily wage earners, so the lockdown has affected their families. With complete shutdown, they are not able to buy essential commodities for themselves.

He said, "When the government announced the lockdown for the first phase, many auto drivers stayed here in the city thinking that they will cope up with the situation for some days. However, they were not prepared for the extension of the lockdown. Though many returned to their native places, those from far-off districts couldn't go back and now they are facing a lot of problems, including scarcity of food materials."

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