Bharat Bandh: Police Lathi-Charge Protesters In Bihar

Supreme Court's decision on the creamy layer in SC-ST reservations. Police across states were on high alert as protests intensified, with opposition parties actively supporting the bandh.

Bharat Bandh_ Protest in Bihar and other states

Bharat Bandh: In response to the recent decision of the Supreme Court regarding the creamy layer in SC-ST reservations, the Reservation Protection Struggle Committee has issued a call for Bharat Bandh on August 21, 2024. In no time, the protest gained as several opposition parties the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Bahujan Samaj Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, and Bhim Army extended their support. As the day progressed, the effect of the bandh only became more visible in different states; Bihar happened to be one of the centers leading the protest.

The Bharat Bandh was marked by considerable chaos. Confrontation between police and protesters erupted at the Dak Bungalow intersection, following which the police resorted to lathi charges. In an act of sheer police brutality, officers chased and beat up demonstrators, as the bandh effects rippled across various parts of Patna.

Bihar: Widespread Disruption And Road Blockades

In Bihar, the Bharat Bandh started to show its pulse from the early hours of the morning. One of the districts in Bihar, Nawada, saw major repercussions when protesters began agitation by blocking National Highway 20. The agitators managed to shut down all city markets, thereby bringing all commercial activities to a close. NH 20 was blocked, greatly inconveniencing commuters and businesses associated with road transportation. The bandh was equally effective in Punpun, Danapur, and Patna. The Bihta-Sarmera road near Purauniya was blocked by the Bharat Bandh supporters, led by the Phulwari Sharif MLA Gopal Ravidas. Many of the protesters were CPI(ML) members who voiced their vigorous opposition to the division of reservations within the Dalit community. Carrying flags, and raising slogans, they said reservations should continue in their current form, without any new categorizations or divisions.

Darbhanga: Train Services Disrupted

The effects of the bandh reached even Darbhanga, where agitators disrupted train services. In an agitation led by activists of the Bhim Army, a Dalit rights organisation, the Bihar Sampark Kranti Express from Darbhanga to Delhi was stopped. The train was stopped at the station and members stood on the track, not allowing the train to move forward. The agitation caused a long delay and inconvenienced the passengers. Also Read: Bharat Bandh On August 21: All You Need To Know About Nationwide Shutdown

Patna: Road Blockades And Protests

In Patna, capital of Bihar, organizations of Dalits intensified their protests in the form of blocking roads and setting fires outside the Ambedkar Hostel at Mahendru. The agitation was led by Dalit leader Amar Azad, who termed the apex court verdict unjust. Azad and his supporters asked for inclusion of the existing form of reservation in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, making it immune to judicial review.

Protesters Blocked at Agra HQ Gate

In Agra, Uttar Pradesh, the Bharat Bandh has made its presence felt as thousands of protesters converged at the district headquarters. However, the police managed to halt their advance at the headquarters gate. The protesters, undeterred, are raising slogans outside the premises, while a significant police force has been deployed to maintain order.

JMM And Other Protests Across States

Elsewhere in the state, the Bharat Bandh was supported at Pakur in Jharkhand. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha was actively participating in the bandh. Dozens of JMM workers came out to the streets since early morning and blocked Subhash Chowk in Hiranpur by parking several buses and other vehicles. Their actions completely shut off the market, and traffic was greatly hampered, with vehicles lining up in long queues around the chowk.

Police On High Alert

The Bharat Bandh had the police on high alert in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. At the call of the Bahujan Samaj Party district president, hundreds of workers gathered at the Ambedkar statue on Meerut Road. They marched from there to the Collectorate, registering a strong protest against the order issued by the Supreme Court. The police once again retaliated with a large force and kept vigil through drones to ensure nothing should happened. Also Read: Bharat Bandh Today Over Supreme Court’s Reservation Ruling, Opposition Parties Extend Support

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Bharat Bandh: Police Lathi-Charge Protesters; Rail, Road Blockades In Bihar And Other States