Hyderabad, Aug. 23 -- Auto-rickshaws will stop plying on the roads of Telangana starting from Monday, August 24, urging the state government to meet its long-pending demands.

The decision was taken by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), insisting upon the immediate establishment of a welfare board for autorickshaw and private transport workers, annual financial assistance of Rs 12,000 and accident insurance of Rs 5 lakh.

The union alleged that the government's ignorance has pushed several auto drivers to suicide. "The government's policies have caused us severe financial distress. Around 200 drivers have died by suicide in the state over the past three years," JAC leader Arla Sathireddy said.

He appealed to all political parties to exten...