NEW DELHI, Jan. 2, 2024 (TBINN)
Protests were held in many Indian states on the second day of the strike by truckers’ associations against stricter punishments in the new law on hit-and-run cases, even as the government began talks today with the agitating groups to end the stir that threatened to impact the supply of essentials and led to panic buying of fuel at several places.
Towards Evening, truck drivers in Maharashtra’s Nashik District called off their strike after local authorities assured them of looking into their demands. However, Rajasthan saw some violence as a mob burnt a police vehicle and pelted stones at security personnel, leaving three injured in Kekri District.
Some truck, bus and tanker operators began a three-day strike on Monday in several states to protest the “stringent punishments”. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, set to replace the Indian Penal Code, drivers who cause serious road accidents due to negligent driving and run away without informing authorities face up to 10 years in prison or a fine of Rs 7 lakh.
In New Delhi, Government sources said Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla was meeting with protesting truckers later in the Evening and the issue was likely to be resolved amicably.
Sources added that the All India Motor Transport Congress (A.I.M.T.C.) has not yet given any nation-wide strike-call in support of the demand seeking withdrawal of new provisions.
Referring to the apprehensions, a senior government functionary said a driver who accidentally hits a person and subsequently informs the police or takes the victim to the nearest hospital will not be prosecuted under the stringent provision of the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (B.N.S.).
Opposition Congress, meanwhile, came out in support of truckers’ protest, saying the misuse of legislation can lead to an “extortionist network” and “organised corruption”. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of “penalising the poor” while stalling investment in the Infra-structure Sector.
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