New Delhi: Truck drivers in Karnataka, led by the Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners’ Association, have announced an indefinite strike beginning January 17. The protest is a response to discontent with the stringent regulations concerning hit-and-run cases in the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).
Addressing the media, C Naveen Reddy, the president of the Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners’ Association, said, “Though the union government called us for discussions on this unruly law, the officials have not given anything in writing. This is a unilateral decision by the union government, and they did not consult us before arriving at such a hasty decision.”
Reddy also said that all truck drivers in the state will support the strike and keep their vehicles off-road. “We already informed all the truck drivers in the state, and we will be going on a strike. All heavy vehicles will go off-road from January 17,” he added.
Truck drivers, taxi, and bus operators started a nationwide strike in opposition to the ₹7 lakh penalty and 10-year jail term proposed for hit-and-run cases under the recently passed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The All-India Motor Transport Congress stated that these provisions, yet to be enforced, could lead to unwarranted harassment and should be revoked immediately.
However, on January 2, the All India Motor Transport Association (AIMTC) decided to conclude the nationwide protests by truck drivers against the new hit-and-run law following a meeting with Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla. The government assured the transport body members that the new laws have not been implemented and will only be enforced after consultations with AIMTC.