Drivers' 'Steering Chhodo' protest jams NH-30 in Maihar, submit three-point demand

The All India Vahan Chalak Kalyan Ekta Sangathan launched a 'Steering Chhodo' (leave the steering) agitation in Maihar district on Thursday, over demands related to the safety and welfare of drivers. Protesters sat on a dharna near the Hanuman temple in Katia village on NH-30, at the Amarpatan bypass, and parked vehicles on the road.

Long queues built up on both sides of the highway. Buses, trucks and other vehicles of all sizes were stuck in the jam. On receiving news of the jam, police from the Amarpatan and Dehat police stations reached the spot.

An argument broke out between the police and the protesters over clearing the road, and the situation neared a scuffle. Police persuaded the organisation's members. The protesters then opened the road and traffic on the highway resumed.

The organisation submitted a memorandum of three demands addressed to the Collector to Dehat police station in-charge Panchraj Singh. The memorandum demands the creation of a drivers' commission, a drivers' welfare board and a drivers' safety law.

The organisation's general secretary, Prem Kumari Patel, said memorandums on drivers' safety and interests had been submitted many times before, but no action was taken on the demands. In protest, an indefinite dharna began in Amarpatan on November 12.

Patel said the agitation has begun under the organisation's banner from the Singhu border in Delhi. Whatever decision the government takes there will be accepted across the country, she said. She added that protests are being held in every district.

Station house officer Panchraj Singh said the memorandum was taken from the protesters and the road was cleared. Traffic on the highway is currently normal.