SC-ST protest in India: Schools, shops shut in few states

New Delhi : Schools and shops have been shuttered down in a few states due to ongoing protest against the amendments of the SC/ST Act.

The commercial establishments were closed in several parts of northern India including parts of Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

Separate incidents of violence were also reported from different parts of the country.

Two Bihar politicians, JD(U) leader Shyam Rajak and Madhepura MP Rajesh Ranjan, faced angry mobs while travelling. Protesters pelted stones at Rajak's car, he told reporters later.

Earlier this year, the apex court had removed the strict provision of mandatory arrests under the SC/ST Act.

But the decision had triggered nationwide protests by Scheduled Caste organisations, forcing the Centre to bring an amendment to the Act to overrule the SC order.