Tura, Jan 5: Taxi services across the Garo Hills region were hit by the 48 hour bandh call by various organizations to protest the upcoming legislation on hit and run cases across the country through the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita BNS).
BNA is expected to replace what is being seen as an outdated IPC and bring about significant changes including those of hit and run cases where the quantum of punishment and fines has seen a huge increase. Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita (BNS) has received Presidential assent, and will replace the 163-year-old Indian Penal Code
Confusion reigned across the region over the imposition of the 48 hour bandh call with many unwilling to take chances of moving through the state of Assam over fear of being targeted for defying the bandh call despite normal services continuing within the region.
“I was advised to not take the route through Assam as most of us were unaware of what the consequences could be if we did venture out. Initially there was information of the bandh being called off but we were not certain that it did till the evening,” said a local taxi owner.
Meanwhile many residents were advised to not venture into Assam even with their private vehicles over fears that they could be targeted. Many, as per sources, even cancelled their plans to visit various parts of Assam over fear of reprisals for defying the bandh call.
“I was supposed to go to Guwahati early this morning today but was advised against it and thus cancelled. We are still skeptical of how things will fare tomorrow though from what we know there have been no issues in Assam for now,” said a Tura resident.
Meanwhile commercial vehicles stayed off the road in Assam over the 2 day protest though private vehicles continued to ply. As per reports there was no imposition of the bandh call in Assam though vehicles preferred to stay off the road on the first day of the strike. A better situation is expected tomorrow.
