Bharat Bandh: Massive protest by Dalit hits four states; protestors block rail tracks, Internet suspended in Punjab
A Dalit community on Monday has called for a massive protest as Bharat Bandh against the 'dilution' of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Dalit organizations have a fear that this might increase violence against Dalits. Following which they are holding a strike across the country against the Supreme Court verdict over SC/ST Act.
The central government on Monday will also file a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging the top court's judgement. The massive protest by Dalit groups has hit four states in India, the protestors have blocked rail tracks, public buses, and even internet has been suspended in Punjab to prevent any untoward incident in the state. The internet is suspended from 5 pm on Sunday till 11 pm on Monday
Violent protests are being reported from west Uttar Pradesh districts of Agra, Saharanpur, Meerut, Bagpat on the issue of the amendment in SC/ST Act, reported News18.
A heavy police force has been deployed in Punjab. The Army has also been roped in to check law-and-order. Punjab Chief Secretary Karan A Singh, in a letter to the Secretary, Department of Defence, said, “Army in Punjab to remain ready for any eventuality as state govt may need their assistance in maintaining law and order.”
Amid protest across the country, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to postpone all Class 12 and 10 examinations scheduled for Monday in Punjab. Taking cognisance of the letter of the director general (school education), the CBSE decided to postpone all class 12 and 10 examinations scheduled for April 2, 2018, in the state of Punjab,” CBSE said in a statement issued late in the night. The security has been tightened in Punjab as well as across the country.
The opposition is backing the Dalit over the Bandh, apart from grand old party, CPI and Left-affiliated unions, the Janata Dal, Prakash Ambedkar-led Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh and the Peasants and Workers Party are also backing the Dalit in Bharat Bandh.
Senior Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said that “a review petition(SC/ST protection act) should be filed and its the right of the Government, its a legal procedure.” “The basic question as to why they were unable to present the case properly before SC and lost, inquiry needed,” Singhvi claimed.
First published: 2 April 2018, 11:53 IST_251372_300x172.jpg)
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