Srinagar, Dec 30: Residents of the Jammu and Kashmir flocked to fuel stations on Tuesday, driven by apprehensions surrounding a nationwide strike by truckers protesting the contentious hit-and-run provision of a recently enacted law.
Long queues were seen through fuel stations across the Union Territory, with some stations closing their doors, claiming they had exhausted their fuel supply. Reports even surfaced of people sprinting to fuel stations armed with buckets, underscoring the urgency and anxiety among the public.
The cause of this heightened activity is the newly implemented law that stipulates hit-and-run cases could result in a staggering 10 years of imprisonment and a hefty fine of ₹7 lakh. Truckers, cab drivers, and other operators of commercial vehicles are expressing concerns about how they would cope with such substantial fines in the event of an accident.
Responding to the public’s unease, Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, issued an appeal for calm, assuring residents that the valley possesses an ample stock of fuel. Bidhuri emphasised that they have a reserve that can last for more than 20 days and are in constant communication with transporters. He expressed optimism that the situation would be resolved promptly.
Bidhuri stated, “We have enough stock of essentials in Kashmir, including petrol, diesel, and LPG for almost a month,” urging people not to panic. He assured them that the ongoing transporter strike would not lead to shortages of essentials during the winter season.
However, reports indicate that fuel stations in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir are either already dry or on the brink of running out of auto fuels due to the ongoing strike by commercial vehicle drivers. These drivers are protesting the hit-and-run provision in the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, designed to replace the Indian Penal Code.
The new law mandates severe penalties, including imprisonment, for drivers involved in hit-and-run incidents. Drivers argue that the law is one-sided and harsh, expressing concerns about potential mob violence if they stay at an accident scene and fears of severe punishment if they attempt to flee.
As a result of the nationwide strike, thousands of tanker drivers responsible for fuel transportation are participating, triggering a fuel crisis in several cities. Urban centers are now bracing for potential fuel shortages in the days ahead.
Under the previous Indian Penal Code’s Section 304A, hit-and-run accidents were covered with a punishment of up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Data reveals that over 30% of all road accidents in India are hit-and-run cases, but only 10% of the drivers involved in such accidents are booked.
Truckers’ urged to resume work
Govt promises consultation before enforcement of stringent legal provision
In response to the apprehensions raised by truckers regarding the stringent legal provisions outlined in Section 106 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, the Government of India engaged in a comprehensive discussion with representatives of the All India Motor Transport Congress today.
It is imperative to clarify that the new laws and provisions, including the provision of 10 years imprisonment and fines under Section 106 (2), have not yet been enforced. The invocation of Section 106 (2) will only occur subsequent to thorough consultations with the All India Motor Transport Congress, the press statement said.
The government appealed to the All India Motor Transport Congress and all drivers to resume their respective duties.
DM Jammu assures adequate supply of petrol, diesel
District Magistrate Jammu Sachin Kumar Vaishya has urged the public not to panic and rush to the petrol pumps.
He has assured the public that there is enough stocks of petroleum products in the district and there is no need to panic. He has appealed to the public to avoid panic buying and hoarding of petroleum products, which may create artificial scarcity and inconvenience for others.
He has informed that the district administration is keeping a close watch on the supply and distribution of petroleum products and has instructed the petrol pump owners and dealers to ensure regular and adequate supply to the consumers. He has also requested the public to cooperate with the administration in maintaining order at the petrol pumps and society in general.
