Long queues outside fuel pumps after nationwide strike by truckers
The nationwide strike called by truck drivers has struck a nerve of panic amongst the public who are queueing outside fuel pumps with their vehicles, anticipating shortages in supply and an astronomical rise in prices, which would ensue any dearth in availability.
The truck drivers are protesting against the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, which is replacing the Indian Penal Code. According to the new code of law, a driver may face 10 years in jail and humongous fines in a hit-and-run case.
The drivers are saying that in such incidents, they mostly stay and don’t run away, but an angry mob always ensures loss of their life and property. It is an inhuman provision to levy such harsh punishment upon them. Also, it is not possible for poor drivers to pay giant sums of money as fines.
Smaller town and semi-rural areas have been most affected by the strike. While pumps in major cities continue to function, the plausibility of them being affected looms large if the strike continues and grows.
