48-hr transport strike begins today in Assam

A two-day strike called by the All Assam Motor Transport Association, a conglomerate of transport bodies of the state, began today from 5 am.

The 48-hour strike, which has been called to protest the new hit-and-run law, is likely to hurt the commuters across the state.

Multiple associations of public transport, including buses, cabs and autos, goods carriers and fuel tankers, have joined hands and announced their participation in the agitation.

The agitation is also likely to affect supply of fuel to petrol depots. Long queues were witnessed at petrol pumps across the state with people lining up to fill the tanks of their vehicles amidst fears of a possible fuel shortage.

The agitating associations, supporting their strike call, said that the new hit-and-run law is anti-driver and is against owners of vehicles.

Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, that replaces the 163 year old IPC, drivers who cause serious road accidents due to negligent driving and run away without informing authorities, will face up to 10 years in prison or a fine of Rs 7 lakh.