Assam hit by 12 hr driver protest against new hit-and-run law, disrupting transport services
Guwahati: In Assam the 12-hour state-wide driver protest seeking the scrapping of the new hit-and-run law caused massive disruption in the transportation of goods and passenger service. In Shillong tourist taxis across joined the strike.
Following discussion with the transport department the drivers’ body has decided to shorten the strike from 48 hour to 24 hours.
The Assam government has assured the drivers body to convey their grievances to the Central government.
Transporters called for strike to protest new provisions on hit-and-run cases in the Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which is set to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 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.
Joining a nationwide movement, cab owners and drivers in Meghalaya voiced their opposition to the proposed legal changes.
Notably, taxi and tour associations in Meghalaya have received communications from their Guwahati counterparts, urging support for this unified demonstration.
The tourist taxi services of Tura have also been suspended accordingly. In Assam The government has also invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act.
