Karnataka lorry owners to go on indefinite strike from January 17, if ...

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Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners' Association has decided to go on an indefinite strike from January 17, opposing stringent jail and fine regulations for hit-and-run cases under the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).

On January 2, a strike called by the truck drivers' association was called off following a meeting between the representatives of the association and union home ministry officials in New Delhi.

Also, read: E-commerce firms can breathe a sigh of relief as truck drivers call off the strike 

C Naveen Reddy, president of the Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners' Association, told reporters that the association members arrived at this decision after a meeting.

"Lorry and truck drivers across the country are concerned about the proposal to impose significant fines, including a 10-year imprisonment for drivers found guilty in hit-and-run cases."

Reddy gave an ultimatum to the government, stating an indefinite strike would begin from January 17 if the proposed law is not withdrawn immediately.

"The hit-and-run cases under the new criminal law Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita have not been withdrawn yet, despite the union government's claim that it is kept in abeyance. However, we haven't received any assurance in writing. All drivers are also in support of this strike. We have decided to proceed with the strike from January 17," he said.

He expressed outrage at the union government's unilateral decision on the matter without consulting lorry owners.

There is a nationwide shortage of drivers for lorries, trucks, and other commercial vehicles and Reddy expressed his apprehensions about the Centre's move worsening the situation.

"The stringent laws proposed in the Act should be relaxed, considering the interests of the lorry industry and drivers," he said.