Trucker Strike Demands Written Assurances From Govt on New Hit-and-Run Law on Fifth Day

In a nationwide protest against the recently enacted hit-and-run law, truckers are demanding written assurances from the government to address their concerns.

The strike, now entering its fifth day, has caused traffic jams and severely disrupted the supply chain, impacting businesses worth approximately Rs 2 crore in Kaithal district alone.

Image Credit - NDTV

Transporters across the country are vehemently opposing the new law, expressing their dissatisfaction through continuous protests. 

The focal point of their discontent revolves around the lack of a written commitment from the government to withdraw the legislation. 

Despite ongoing assurances from officials, the transporters remain resolute in their stance, vowing not to return to work until their demands are met.

Truck Union officials in Kaithal district reveal that the government has provided only verbal assurances, failing to produce the written guarantees sought by the protesting transporters. 

President of Bhaichara Truck Union, Even Ram Phal, and Manager Mahavir Khatkar assert that mere verbal assurances are insufficient to end the strike, and they will persist in their agitation until the government concedes to their demands in writing.

The strike has led to the cessation of over a thousand trucks in the district, and the transporters have issued a warning to extend the strike for the next three days if their demands are not met promptly. 

The change in the hit-and-run law has triggered widespread anger among transporters and drivers, resulting in a standstill of the entire transport system nationwide. 

Drivers have abandoned trucks, tankers, and buses, leading to a shortage of petrol and a sudden surge in vegetable prices. Passengers relying on buses have found their journeys abruptly halted.

As the protest gains momentum, with the number of striking transport vehicles increasing, concerns are mounting about the potential nationwide impact. 

If the strike persists, it could cripple the supply chain, causing a significant fuel shortage, posing a substantial problem for citizens. 

The timing of the strike, just months before general elections, adds a political dimension to the unrest, potentially inflaming the political atmosphere across the country.

Protests against the new hit-and-run law have erupted in various states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh. 

The Transport Association emphasizes that the drivers are willingly participating in the strike, indicating the widespread discontent within the industry. The situation remains tense as the strike enters its critical fifth day.