Bharat Bandh highlights: Over a dozen injured in Bihar clash, security increased in states

The Centre has advised all states to beef up security and prevent violence during the Bharat Bandh called by some groups against caste-based reservations in jobs and education.

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and other state for the Bharat Bandh on Tuesday called by groups opposed to caste-based reservations, PTI reported.

Security personnel stand guard in Rajasthan’s Jaipur during the Bharat Bandh on Tuesday. (HT Photo)

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has said district magistrates and superintendents of police will be personally held responsible for any violence in their area of jurisdiction.

The missive came a week after a similar Bharat Bandh -- called by called by groups opposing the alleged dilution of SCs/STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act by a Supreme Court order -- saw massive violence in different parts of the country leading to the death of about a dozen people.

In Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad, schools for Class I to 9 will remain closed, as a precautionary measure, in the wake of Bharat Bandh news agency ANI reported.

Section 144 will be imposed in Rajasthan’s Jaipur City and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.

Jaipur police commissioner Sanjay Aggarwal, in a press conference, said that no procession or protest will be allowed on Tuesday and strict action will be taken against offenders. Internet services will remain suspended in the city from 12 midnight on Monday till Tuesday night, he said.

Ajatshatru, divisional commissioner of Bhopal, said prohibitory orders under Section 144 had been clamped in the city for Tuesday but services including schools, government offices and banks would operate as usual.

Here are the highlights:

11.45am: Supporters have blocked roads and forcibly enforced the nationwide shutdown in Ara town of Bhojpur district.

11.40am: Hundreds of youths opposing reservation to SC/ST and OBCs and supporting Bharat Bandh have blocked roads at several places, halted trains and forcibly closed markets in Patna, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Muzafffarpur, Bhojpur, Sheikhpura and Darbhanga districts.

11.35am: Over a dozen of people have been injured in a clash in Bihar during the Bharat Bandh called by various groups to protest against reservation policies, PTI reported.

10am: Security has been tightened in Madhya Pradesh.

9.10am: Protesters in Bihar’s Arrah have stopped a train during Bharat Bandh called by groups against caste-based reservations in jobs and education.

(With agency inputs)