In a significant development, a nationwide strike has unfolded across northern regions of India, affecting fuel supplies and transportation services following the introduction of new provisions regarding hit-and-run cases under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita by the Central Government.
Fuel Tankers on Strike
Approximately 1,500 oil tankers responsible for transporting fuel to Jammu and Kashmir, including Ladakh, initiated a strike on Monday in opposition to the recently implemented provisions. The strike has led to a shortage of fuel in major cities of Himachal Pradesh, with reports of rationing observed in petrol pumps.
Anan Sharma, president of both the J&K Petrol Tankers Owners’ Association and J&K Fuel Station Owners’ Association, stated as per HT that the drivers find the penalties of RS 7 lakh fine and 10 years imprisonment proposed for hit-and-run cases too severe. The protesting drivers insist they will not resume work until the new legislation is repealed.
Impact on Himachal Pradesh
By evening, several filling stations in Himachal’s capital, Shimla, reported a shortage of petrol and diesel. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) is also significantly affected, facing a fuel shortage that has prompted rationing and a reduction in routes. Private bus operators in Himachal have threatened to join the strike.
Rohan Chand Thakur, Managing Director of HRTC, highlighted the adverse impact on the corporation, affecting daily transportation for tens of thousands of passengers. The situation may worsen if the strike persists, warned All India Trade Union Congress chief Bawa Hardeep Singh.
Protests and Calls for Reconsideration
Transporters from Jammu and Kashmir held a meeting, expressing their disagreement with the new provisions. Sheikh Muhammad Yousuf, General Secretary of the Jammu Kashmir Transporters Welfare Association, called for the withdrawal of the law, emphasizing that it was implemented without consulting representatives of the transport department.
The All J&K Transporters’ Welfare Association has not joined the strike but is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss their potential participation. Private bus operators in Himachal have also threatened to join the strike.
On Tuesday, passenger vehicles went off the road across the Chenab Valley, and no passenger vehicle traffic was observed on the roads in the twin Doda-Kishtwar districts of Chenab Valley.
Rashid Hussain, a private passenger vehicle union agent, while speaking to The Chenab Times, said, “This strike is not just for truckers or passenger vehicles specifically; the new law will affect everyone, and everyone should support this strike.” He added, “The main protest is scheduled for Wednesday.”
The ongoing nationwide strike against the newly introduced hit-and-run legislations has gained momentum, as reports indicate widespread support from various districts in Jammu and Kashmir. Protests have rippled through the region, with the All Transporters Union Doda taking a strong stand on Monday, calling for full support from the All India Motor Transport Association. Similar solidarity has been witnessed in Kishtwar district.
Government Response Awaited
Various truck unions are expected to meet on Tuesday to strategize in Nalgarh, Solan district. Transporters from different states of India are reportedly considering supporting the strike.
The impact of the strike on fuel prices is anticipated, with fuel station owners having lifted lesser supplies in anticipation of a potential reduction by Rs 10 per litre.
As tensions rise and transportation services remain disrupted, all eyes are now on the government’s response and potential negotiations to address the concerns raised by the protesting transporters.
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times