Agartala, January 05: The oil tanker drivers of Indian Oil and Assam Oil in Dharmanagar staged a one-day work stoppage on Friday to protest against the proposed Hit and Run Bill by the Union government. The bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament soon, aims to increase the penalties and punishments for drivers involved in hit and run cases.
The drivers said that the bill is unfair and unjust, as it would impose a hefty compensation of Tk 10 lakh and a jail term of seven years for the offenders. They said that they do not have the financial capacity to pay such a huge amount and that the jail sentence would ruin their lives. They also said that they are happy with the government’s work and support it, but they cannot agree with this bill as it goes against their interests.
The drivers said that they have joined the nationwide movement of well tanker drivers who are opposing the bill and demanding its withdrawal. They warned that if the bill is not scrapped, they will intensify their agitation and paralyze the transport system in the country. They appealed to the government to reconsider the bill and protect the rights and livelihoods of the drivers.
