Truckers' Association Calls Off Strike Over Hit-And-Run Law After Talks With Government

Following a crucial meeting with the government over the widespread protests against the new hit-and-run law, the All India Motor Transport Association (AIMTC) declared on Tuesday that "all concerns have been addressed."

The truckers' association further stated its intention to call off the ongoing protests soon.

Nationwide trucker protests against the new hit-and-run law in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) are causing fuel shortages and raising concerns about essential supply chains. Long queues snaking at pumps across various states tell a different story than mere anticipation of price hikes. The escalating fear is that an extended protest could critically disrupt fuel delivery, potentially impacting other vital supplies as well.

Protests erupt in multiple states: Fueled by opposition to the BNS's harsh punishments for hit-and-run accidents, truckers have taken to the streets in Bihar, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. In Maharashtra, 'rasta roko' protests saw fuel tanker drivers halting work in Nashik district, parking over 1,000 vehicles at a key depot. Navi Mumbai witnessed a violent turn with protesters attacking a police official, leading to detentions.

Why the anger?: The BNS, replacing the Indian Penal Code, prescribes heavy fines and up to 10 years in prison for causing serious accidents and fleeing the scene. Truckers and cab drivers fear the exorbitant fines could cripple their livelihoods. Bhopal cab driver Gyansingh Yadav argues for reducing the 10-year term to 1-2 years, while a bus driver in Chhattisgarh calls for action against vehicle owners, highlighting the plight of economically disadvantaged drivers.

Government clarifies, claims no harsh punishment for reporting accidents: A senior official clarified that drivers promptly reporting accidents or helping injured victims will not face the stringent clauses. The law targets hit-and-run scenarios and drunken driving accidents, as per the Supreme Court's observations.

Fuel crisis looms as tanker drivers join the protest: Thousands of fuel tanker drivers participating in the protest have triggered fuel shortages in several cities. Nashik petrol dealers fear running dry if the agitation continues. However, Madhya Pradesh authorities assure normalcy by Tuesday evening, claiming adequate measures to maintain fuel supply.