Transport of ordinary citizens will be crippled, especially those travelling from Meghalaya to locations in Assam, including Guwahati airport and train station, due to a nationwide strike called by central trade unions and national federations on Wednesday.
The All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA), who is part in the general strike, said unions in Assam are determined to go through with the strike, which could put any tourist taxis and their passengers travelling from Meghalaya to Assam at risk.
The AKMTTA also warned against anyone taking advantage of the strike to overcharge passengers.
The strike has been called to demand the withdrawal of the Motor Vehicle Reforms Act 2019 and abolition of the hit-and-run clause under Article 106(2) of the BNS. This particular part of the law mandates a sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment for deaths in hit-and-run cases. Transporters and commercial drivers are unhappy with the severity of the punishment even if ordinary people would welcome harsh punishment for such cases.
The unions also wants immediate cessation of toll tax collection through satellite systems, end to the imposition of excessive fines, photo-based fines and simplification of rules related to pollution certificates and other redundant documentation and provision of rest rooms, clean drinking water, low-cost canteens, etc.
