The stir called by truck, bus and tanker operators on Monday against the provisions in the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) was called off on Tuesday night after the Centre held talks with the All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) representatives.
The Union Home Secretary promised to hold talks with stakeholders before implementing the contentious law against hit-and-run. "The issue has been resolved. The new law and its provision have not been implemented yet," sources told reporters.
After the meeting with AIMTC representatives, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said he appealed to the AIMTC and all the agitating drivers to return to work. "The government wants to point out that these new laws and provisions have not yet come into force. We would also like to point out that the decision to invoke Section 106 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita will be taken only after consultation with the AIMTC," he said.
Following the meeting, the Union Government and the transporters have agreed that transport workers will resume their work immediately, reported ANI.
AIMTC core committee chairman Bal Malkit told reporters that they will not allow the new laws to be implemented. "This law has not been implemented yet. We will not allow these laws to be implemented," Singh said, adding that the truckers have been asked to call off the agitation.
Amrit Lal Madan, president of AIMTC, also urged truck drivers to resume work, stating, "You are not just our drivers; you are our soldiers. We do not want you to face any inconvenience. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has kept the ten years of punishment clause on hold. Until the next meeting of the AIMTC, no laws will be imposed", ANI quoted Madan as saying.
The truckers are protesting against the new BNS provision which says: "Whoever causes death of any person by rash and negligent driving of vehicle not amounting to culpable homicide, and escapes without reporting it to a police officer or a magistrate soon after the incident, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description of a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine."
The three-day strike call had triggered panic buying with fuel stations witnessing long queues, resulting in pumps in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab running out of stock due to heavy rush.
There were concerns that essential supplies of vegetables, fruits and milk too might be affected if the three-day strike is extended.