Bike riders’ ultimatum to State, Union govts

The Telangana Two-Wheeler Riders’ Association has threatened to call for Twin Cities’ Bandh demanding that the Central and State governments amend Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act making turbans compulsory in the place of helmets. The association has warned that if immediate steps were not taken in this regard, a nationwide agitation would be launched and a fast-unto-death will be undertaken at Delhi and also at Hyderabad in support of their demand.

Talking to mediapersons here on Thursday, Association convenor Mohd. Amanullah Khan reminded that in 1989 then Chief Minister Dr M. Channa Reddy had issued G.O MS No. 303, dated December 23, 1989 making “compulsory helmet rule into optional” and came to the rescue of two-wheeler riders in then AP State. and the order continued for 16 years. “Therefore, we request Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao to convince the Centre and bring about an amendment in Sec.129 of MV Act and put a halt to harassment of two-wheeler riders in the name of not wearing helmets. He hoped the Chief Minister would take immediate steps in this regard.

Mohd. Amanullah Khan also pointed out application of Section 129 of the M.V. Act was exempted Sikhs from wearing helmets since they wear traditional turbans. The present helmet rule is not only discriminatory, but also violation of human rights. (NSS)