Traffic on Mumbai's Kandivali Link Road was disrupted for around 20 minutes on Monday after auto-rickshaw drivers staged a protest against the state government's Marathi language requirement for drivers. The protest led to a traffic jam and caused commuters to turn around.
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According to reports, some auto-rickshaw drivers carrying passengers were allegedly threatened during the protest. It was also alleged that non-Marathi-speaking drivers participating in the demonstration blocked the road, slowing the traffic movement.
Traffic police reached the spot and attempted to bring the situation under control, as per NDTV report.
The clashes began amid the Maharashtra government's decision to require Marathi proficiency among auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers. Commuters across Mumbai faced a shortage of autos and taxis on Monday as several drivers kept their vehicles off the roads in protest.
Videos circulating on social media showed protesting auto-rickshaw drivers allegedly stopping vehicles and asking passengers to get out.
The Maharashtra Transport Department has been enforcing a rule requiring autorickshaw and taxi drivers to demonstrate a working knowledge of Marathi. Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials have been conducting checks outside railway stations, malls and prominent taxi stands across the city over the past week.
Drivers found unable to converse in Marathi have reportedly been issued show-cause notices, with some facing suspension of their licences and badges.
More than 2,500 such notices have reportedly been issued across Maharashtra over the past four days, according to a report quoting Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union leader Thampy Kurien.
Several drivers have also reportedly altered their routes or temporarily withdrawn their vehicles from service to avoid inspection points, adding to the shortage of autorickshaws and taxis in parts of Mumbai.
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