The Central Government’s recent implementation of the Hit and Run law has sparked a strike among bus and truck drivers. As a result, the entire transportation system has come to a halt. The scarcity of fuel has led to the formation of lengthy queues at petrol pumps. In various locations such as Mumbai, Indore, Delhi-Haryana, and UP, truck drivers have taken a stand by parking their vehicles on the roads and obstructing traffic. They firmly believe that this law is unjust and are demanding its immediate withdrawal.
What does the Hint and Run Law entail?
The Central Government has recently implemented new legislation pertaining to criminal offenses. According to this law, if a truck or dumper driver hits a person and flees the scene, they will face a 10-year prison sentence. Additionally, they will be required to pay a fine of Rs 7 lakh. Previously, the accused driver would often secure bail within a few days and walk free from the police station. However, even under this law, there was a provision for a two-year imprisonment.
Anger among truck drivers against the new law:
Truck drivers are expressing immense frustration towards the recent legislation, provoking a strong sense of anger within their community. They firmly believe that this decision is fundamentally flawed and are demanding its immediate repeal. In response to this discontent, truck drivers in the Ecotech 3 area of Greater Noida took a stand by parking their vehicles and obstructing the road, while simultaneously voicing their grievances through slogans. Nevertheless, upon being convinced by the police, they eventually complied and cleared the road by removing their vehicles.
The strike by truck drivers in Indore, Madhya Pradesh had a significant impact on the petrol pumps as well. The petrol pump witnessed extensive lines of vehicles waiting to refuel. It has been reported that this strike is expected to persist for a duration of three days, resulting in a disruption of fuel supply to the petrol pump. Upon hearing this news, individuals promptly flocked to the petrol pump, leading to the formation of lengthy queues of vehicles.
The truck drivers in Mumbai have initiated a strike, which has had a significant impact not only in MP, Delhi, but also in Maharashtra. These regions have witnessed extensive protests against the recently implemented government law. As a result of the strike, the roads have been severely congested, leading to a prolonged traffic jam.
The bus and truck drivers’ frustration was evident in Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh. They made attempts to obstruct roads at multiple locations within the city. Subsequently, a two-hour blockade occurred on Rasoolpur bypass, resulting in extensive lines of vehicles. Despite the efforts of the police and administration to provide clarification, the drivers remained unconvinced and the protest persisted.
The trucks in Panna came to a halt, causing disruption on National Highway-39. The strike by bus drivers added to the inconvenience faced by passengers. As a result, traffic congestion built up on the roads. The protestors voiced their opposition to the law by chanting slogans demanding its repeal. Similarly, in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, truck and bus drivers staged a demonstration by blocking the highway. They expressed their discontent with the law and issued a stern warning to the government and administration when they reached the District Collectorate.
