Bharat Bandh: Maintain peace, order, urges Adityanath

Lucknow: In response to the ongoing nationwide shutdown called by several Dalit organisations to protest against the alleged dilution of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act by the Supreme Court, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday appealed citizens to "not disturb law and order".

"The central and state governments are dedicated towards the welfare of backward castes, Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes. I appeal to all not to disturb the law and order. If at all there are any issues you can bring them to government's notice," said Adityanath.

Even as the Centre has filed a review petition in the top court, outrage over the review in the Act made by the Supreme Court has engulfed numerous parts of the country, as various states, including Punjab, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, are witnessing border-line riots with protesters taking to destruction of private and public property to send their message of disapproval to legislature and judiciary.

Various Dalit organisations had called for a nationwide shutdown or a 'Bharat Bandh' to protest against the ruling.

The apex court had, on March 20, introduced the provision of anticipatory bail in the act while directing that there would be no automatic arrest on any complaint filed under the law.