Centre warns states of protest against quotas

​New Delhi: Almost a week after a Bharat Bandh against the dilution of the SC/ST Act saw widespread violence wreaked upon protesting Dalits which led to the death of 9 protesters, the Union Home Ministry on Monday warned all state governments to be prepared for another such showdown but this time, opposing the caste-based reservations. The warning was put out after several posts on social media and WhatsApp groups regarding Bharat Bandh on Tuesday. 

Sources said Tuesday bandh call was given through the social media, apparently to counter the April 2 bandh organised to protest alleged dilution of the SC/ST Act. The call for the bandh was given by some groups and organisations opposing reservations in jobs and education on the basis of caste.

Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an advisory to all states to take necessary precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incident. The advisory told states to issue prohibitory orders, if necessary, and intensify patrolling in all sensitive locations so as to prevent any loss of life or damage to property. 

The advisory stressed that district magistrates and superintendents of police be made personally responsible for ensuring that law and order situation remains firmly under control in the areas of their jurisdiction.

Speaking on these recent developments, Madhya Pradesh DGP Rishi Kumar Shukla said, “We are appealing to citizens to maintain peace and harmony in the state.  But we are equally prepared to deal with any untoward situation. There may be differences among members of different communities, but they should not resort to violence. Peace and harmony are necessary for the state to prosper.”

Earlier, while speaking on the Bharat Bandh protests, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati said the outcome of Bharat Bandh had left the BJP scared and states ruled by the BJP were now resorting to atrocities against the SC community. “Bharat Bandh protest was largely successful. This has left the BJP scared and authorities in BJP-ruled states have started atrocities towards Dalits. Many Dalits and members of their families are being arrested,” she said. 

Congress protest
Congress president Rahul Gandhi along with other party leaders sat on a fast at Rajghat on Monday, protesting against atrocities against Dalits. “Communal harmony and brotherhood is under threat in Modi govt, they want to divide the society, hence it is the duty of Congress party to fight against such powers and this is what we have come together for,” said Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala.