E-Rickshaw & E-Auto Drivers' Union seeks policy intervention amid clash with diesel autos
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 27 2026:
The Imphal City E-Rickshaw & E-Auto Drivers' Union on Wednesday issued a statement obj ecting to recent local media reports and "physical intervention" by diesel auto drivers along the Imphal-Heirangoithong road, calling for a stakeholder dialogue to resolve the dispute.
The Union said diesel auto drivers have a right to earn their livelihood with a road permit, though renewals have not been allowed for years, leaving their operations in a "de facto rather than de jure" state.
At the same time, it asserted that e-rickshaw and e-auto drivers are also entitled to ply on city routes, including the contested stretch, as the Transport Department permits them to operate without a road permit.
The Union added that e-vehicle drivers do not pick up passengers from diesel autos' designated parking areas.
It further stated that no authority has empowered diesel auto drivers to disrupt e-rickshaw and e-auto operations, and urged that the matter be settled through discussions involving all stakeholders "at the table, not on the road".
Highlighting the impact of the ongoing ethnic conflict, the Union said many people who lost their professions have turned to e-rickshaw and e-auto driving as a livelihood fallback.
Calling the situation a livelihood issue for displaced and unemployed persons, the Union said it expects a policy intervention from the Government of Manipur to address the conflict and safeguard drivers' earnings.




