The indefinite strike launched by auto-rickshaw operators, in support of their seven-point demands, came to an end on Thursday, following a meeting between the protesters and the district administration.

The talks, led by Sub Divisional Officer Surendra Prasad, was mediated by Dhanbad MLA Raj Sinha. It came after the agitators on Thursday decided to go for an indefinite hunger strike at the Randhir Verma Chowk, alleging that they were not being heard by the district administration.

During the meeting, the administration gave verbal orders to auto-rickshaw operators to increase the minimum fare during the lockdown period to Rs 10, which was one of the demands of the protesters. The authorities also asked the drivers to operate their vehicles in designated routes and not take more than one passenger in the front seat.

Members of different auto operators associations, including Jharkhand Pariwahan Mazdoor Union, Sewa Dal Chalak Sangh, Tempo Chalak Morcha, Dhanbad Zila Auto Mahsangh and Jharkhand Rajya Pariwahan Chalak Khalasi Sangh, expressed hope that the administration will further initiate measures to notify the fare chart by February 14, 2021.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Raj Sinha said, “A final decision with regard to all the issues is yet to be taken as several rounds of talks are likely to be held. But everything will be finalised before February 14, 2020.”

Asked about the minimum auto fares. Sinha said that the rate that fixed during the lockdown, i.e. Rs 10, will continue to apply.

Regarding the route-chart allocation, the MLA said that both parties are yet to sit together and finalise the issue.

President of Jharkhand Pradesh Auto Chalak Mahasangh, Chhotan Singh, who was also present in the meeting said, “The strike came to an end as dialogues began with the administration, and assurance was given to finalise all the issues before February 15, 2021.”