Violent protests against SC order on SC/ST Act hit Rajasthan
Nearly 30 people were detained as Dalit groups protesting against the Supreme Court order on the SC/ST Act blocked rail and road traffic and vandalized public property, including a train, in several parts of Rajasthan, disrupting normal life. Protesters gathered at major roads in Jaipur leading to traffic snarls, while incidents of stone pelting and damage to public property were also reported.
Dalits want restoration of SC/ST Act in its original form
The Dalit groups had called for a Bharat Bandh today demanding the restoration of the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in its original form. The Supreme Court had on March 20 diluted certain provisions of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, in a bid to protect honest public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act.
Seven trains affected due to protest
Bandh evoked a partial response in Rajasthan with several shops remaining closed. Protestors damaged glass windows of Shatabdi Express at Khairthal railway station, Khairthal GRP SHO Ramesh Chandra said. Movement of seven trains was affected in North-Western railway region. Officials at Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) said that operation of buses was normal till 11am but the movement was stopped after protests escalated.
