Twarit Mukhya: Section 144 imposed in 5 MP districts ahead of Bharat Bandh tomorrow

In lieu of the 'Bharat bandh' called against amendments of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act on September 6 by some Upper caste outfits, section 144 has been imposed in several districts across Madhya Pradesh. The state police have geared up security and have been asked to do proper arrangements as per the scheduled program across the state in view of the ongoing protests.

About 35 organisations have called for a bandh in the state as per the report, forcing the government to impose Section 144 in Sagar, Riva, Bhind, Shivpuri, Chhatarpur and other districts.

In the past few days, Madhya Pradesh has witnessed protests against the ruling party leaders at various places. Bhind District Collector Ashish Gupta was quoted as saying in a press note, "In view of proposed Bharat Bandh on September 6, the prohibitive orders under CrPC section 144 have been imposed in the district." "It is necessary to impose section 144 this time as the law and order situation in the district was disturbed on April 2 this year when some organisations had given the call of 'Bharat bandh'," he said.

Why are people protesting?

Earlier this year, the apex court had removed the strict provision of mandatory arrests under the Act. This
decision had triggered nationwide protests by Scheduled Castes organisations, forcing the Centre to bring an amendment to the Act during the Monsoon Session to overrule the SC order.

Protest across Madhya Pradesh so far

Since the past one week, people in Madhya Pradesh are protesting against the amendments in SC/ST Bill. The protesters staged a demonstration outside the bungalows of Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar at Gwalior and Member of Parliament (MP) Bhagirath Prasad at Bhind.

The protesters also staged a demonstration at Higher Education Minister Jaibhan Singh Pawaiya's bungalow at Gwalior.

The protesters also showed black flags to Union ministers Thawar Chand Gehlot and M J Akbar at Guna and
Vidisha respectively. Several other protests were also organised across the state.