Here is why agitators call for 'Bharat Bandh' on April 10

New Delhi : The Bharat Bandh protest, today, has been called by various anti-reservation groups opposing to caste-based reservations. On April 2, several Dalit groups called a nation-wide protest against Supreme Court's judgement of 'dilution' the SC/ST Act. During the protest, at least 10 people were dead and several injured. Refusing to review the ruling, the apex court said that those protesting on the streets may not have even read our complete judgment. In the meantime, the centre said that they said are fully dedicated to protecting the interests of the backward communities.

Following the Bharat Bandh call given by some groups, today, the security has been increased in several states across India. The Home Ministry has asked all state governments to be extra cautious towards the security of particular states.  Section 144 has been imposed in several places in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Also, Internet services have also been temporarily suspended at some places to stop exchange of protest-related messages on social media and WhatsApp. 

On March 20, the Supreme Court diluted the provisions of the SC/ST Act and mentioned that government employees should not be arrested without prior approval and private citizens, too, should be arrested only after a legal inquiry.

The Ministry of Home Affairs have issued an advisory that some groups would be protesting against caste-based reservations in jobs and education, reports ANI.

The MHA, therefore, asked for strengthening of patrolling in all sensitive areas so as to avoid any loss of life or property. The ministry mentioned that District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police should be made personally responsible for ensuring that law and order remains strongly under control in the areas of their jurisdiction.