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DIMAPUR — The Dimapur Traffic Police (DTP) have seized and impounded at least 50 auto-rickshaws from Dimapur and Chümoukedima, over the last four days, for failing to comply with the auto-rickshaw display card system launched in December 2023.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie, addressed the media on Monday, emphasising that the system was enforced to streamline auto-rickshaw operations in Niuland, Chümoukedima and Dimapur districts which fall under the Dimapur Police Commissionerate.
While the card could be obtained until the end of February 2024, only a little more than 800 auto-rickshaws have done so thus far, according to the CP, who also stated that the police would crack down on defaulters.
“We have too many auto-rickshaws for the length of the roads in the three districts but almost every day new auto-rickshaws are added. To regulate and manage the traffic congestion, the DTP has come out with this initiative which was put up to the Regional Transport Authority (RTA),” Sophie said.
He went on to explain that under the chairmanship of the Dimapur Deputy Commissioner (DC), the implementation was approved by the RTA and few auto-rickshaws with the display card were flagged off on Dec.16, 2023.
The auto-rickshaw operators were then given a three-month period to obtain the display card, which ended on Feb. 29.
This system, according to CP Sophie, is not intended to harass any drivers or auto-rickshaw owners, but is being implemented for the benefit of drivers, passengers, and owners, as well as for regulation and management by the commissionerate’s traffic personnel.
This card will feature the auto driver’s name, vehicle number, driving licence number, unique identification code, auto union ID number, and jurisdiction of area of operation for the respective autos.
According to the CP, the display card system is also intended to prevent and detect crimes. “Many a time, criminals use the autos to commit crimes, escape and make their way through. This system is to assure the safety of passengers especially that of women and the elderly or even the young children,” he insisted.
The display card will be affixed behind the driver’s seat so that if passengers feel that things are not going as expected, they can easily take a photograph of the card from their mobile phones and contact the police control room for immediate action. This measure will also aid in the detection of stolen auto-rickshaws and enable checks on vehicles with expired documents, permits, and those being operated without a proper license, Sophie stated.
Additionally, the system aims to regulate private auto-rickshaws operating for hire without permits, as well as to ensure compliance with uniform and ID card requirements, which are mandatory for all auto-rickshaw drivers.
“We are not here to harass any driver or owner but a system has to be put into place. There’ll be complaints but these are being worked out,” the CP reiterated, underscoring that the system is being implemented in tandem with the administration, the transport department and the auto union.
For those whose vehicles have been impounded, the CP informed that, “They have to do the necessary paper works after which only the seized auto-rickshaws without the display card will be released.
Responding to a query on the workforce of the commissionerate, the CP admitted that since it does not have sufficient manpower, the enforcement is being done phase wise, on a daily basis.
He went on to say that there is no excuse for non-renewal of vehicle documents for 10-15 years, pointing out that the ownership of auto-rickshaws is being shifted from one person to the other without any documentation being done. As a result, even “when crimes are committed, it is very difficult to even trace the owners.”
“As of now there is no grace period and we have started implementing. So, those without display cards are being impounded and in the meantime, they have to follow up with the necessary paper works, and come to get their auto-rickshaw released. There is no penalty or challan for the impounded vehicles but we are giving them time to renew their documents and get their respective vehicle released,” he reiterated.