Bhubaneswar: All Odisha Motor Transport Workers Federation that had called for a strike against a proposed central law called off the protest following a discussion with Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena today.

"We discussed with the All Odisha Motor Transport Workers Federation's president and other key members at Lok Seva Bhawan regarding the protest. We convinced the association that the Union Home Secretary in a video message has clarified that the notification regarding the proposed law is yet to be issued. He has assured to discuss with all stakeholders before the notification. Based on the video message, we requested the association to withdraw the strike and the latter agreed following the meeting," informed Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena, adding, "The normalcy will return after the withdrawal of the agitation."

Odisha Motor Transport Workers’ Federation called for a strike today opposing the proposed penalty regulations for drivers under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The strike caused temporary shortage of petrol and diesel at various fuel stations across the state.