The movement of commercial vehicles in Assam is poised to come to a standstill as a coalition of transporters’ unions has announced a 48-hour strike beginning Friday. This strike is in response to the introduction of a new penal law concerning hit-and-run cases, which the transport community deems excessively punitive and detrimental to drivers.
Multiple public transport associations, including those representing buses, cabs, autos, goods carriers, and fuel tankers, have united for this agitation. Ramen Das, convenor of the Assam Motor Worker Associations’ Joint Platform, articulated the frustrations of drivers and owners alike, stating, “The government only wants to blame drivers for any unfortunate incident, even if they may not have committed the crime. Instead of improving road conditions, they are penalising the poor drivers.”
Concerns about the new law
The new law is part of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which aims to replace the existing Indian Penal Code (IPC). Under this legislation, drivers involved in serious road accidents due to negligent driving who fail to report the incident to authorities could face severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison or fines reaching ₹7 lakh (approximately $8,400). In stark contrast, the punishment for similar offences under the British-era IPC was a maximum of two years.
Das criticized the law as “anti-driver” and detrimental to vehicle owners, arguing that no driver intentionally causes a fatal accident. He highlighted that many accidents occur due to the actions of others involved in the incident. “We call for a strike of all vehicles from 5 AM on Friday to 5 AM on Sunday to press our demand for withdrawal of the legislation,” Das added, indicating a firm stance against the new regulations.
The transporters’ platform has extended its call for solidarity to private car owners, emphasizing that the law applies universally, affecting all drivers regardless of whether they operate commercial or personal vehicles. This move aims to amplify their protest and draw greater attention to their concerns.
Impacts of the strike
As the strike approaches, residents in Assam are already experiencing the impact, with long queues forming at petrol pumps statewide. Many are preemptively filling their tanks amid fears of potential fuel shortages resulting from the strike. This panic buying has only added to the tension surrounding the strike, as citizens scramble to ensure they have enough fuel for their personal and business needs.
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The anticipation of the strike has also ignited discussions on social media and local news platforms, with many expressing their support for the transporters’ cause. However, some members of the public have voiced concerns about the inconvenience caused by the strike, particularly for those relying on public transport for daily commuting.
Government response
The Assam government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the transporters’ protest. However, previous responses to similar agitations have included discussions with stakeholders in an attempt to address their grievances. It remains to be seen whether the government will engage in dialogue with the transporters or stand firm on the new regulations.
Critics of the law argue that it disproportionately punishes drivers while failing to address the underlying issues of road safety and infrastructure. They contend that a more effective approach would focus on improving road conditions and promoting safer driving practices, rather than imposing harsh penalties on drivers.
The strike called by transporters in Assam highlights the ongoing tensions between drivers, vehicle owners, and government regulations. With the new hit-and-run law set to take effect, the response from the transport community reflects broader concerns about justice, accountability, and road safety in the state. As the strike commences, all eyes will be on both the transporters and the government’s subsequent actions, with the potential for further negotiations or escalated tensions in the days to come.
