Truck drivers continue protests

Truck drivers in Maharashtra persisted with their protests for the second consecutive day, expressing dissatisfaction with the stringent penal provisions for hit-and-run cases under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).

The agitation led to road blockades on various key routes, including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in the Mira Bhayandar area of Thane district and the Sion-Panvel highway at Kalamboli in Raigad district. Despite a written assurance from the Union government and appeals by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), the truck drivers continued their protests.

Bal Malkit Singh, chairman of the core committee and former president of AIMTC, shared a letter dated January 8, 2024, from the Union government, which addressed concerns about the implementation of clause 106(2) regarding hit-and-run cases under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita.

While the government’s letter aimed to dispel rumors and reassure the drivers, some leaders reportedly continued to instigate the protesting drivers. Although the letter was shared in drivers’ groups, discontent among certain factions persisted.

In locations like Manmad and Miraj, some drivers had temporarily halted refilling fuel tankers at depots in the preceding days, but normal operations resumed in the morning. Fuel supply is expected to face minimal disruptions this time, as petrol pumps have ample stocks. In the previous week, fuel supply in some parts of the country had been affected due to the drivers’ agitation.