Government deploys 1,500 anti-riot personnel to quell clashes during Bharat Bandh

Eight companies of the Rapid Action Force were sent to Uttar Pradesh, four were dispatched to Madhya Pradesh and three to Rajasthan. Two companies of BSF were deployed in Punjab to assist local administrators to help maintain law and order.

The ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Monday rushed over 1,500 anti-riot personnel across states to control the clashes that erupted during a nationwide bandh called by Dalit organisations, officials familiar with the matter.

Police personnel try to disperse the protesters who were trying to block the Delhi-Gurugram expressway near Rajiv Chowk during Bharat Bandh call in Gurugram on Monday. (PTI Photo)

A senior MHA official said eight companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were sent to Uttar Pradesh, four were dispatched to Madhya Pradesh and three to Rajasthan. Two companies of the Border Security Force (BSF) were deployed in Punjab to assist the local administration in maintaining law and order.

According to a senior paramilitary officer, the personnel were dispatched following requests by state governments, which anticipated that the agitation might continue.

Another paramilitary officer said the situation seemed particularly tense in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. “The governments in these states have reasons to believe that the situation might escalate. We are ensuring to that the law and order situation is brought under control,” the officer said.

Earlier in the day, Union home minister Rajnath Singh assured the protesters that the Centre was committed to ensuring the welfare of Schedule Castes and Scheduled Tribes and appealed to them to not take the law in their hands.

An MHA spokesperson said the ministry was keeping a close watch on the protests.

“The ministry has asked the states to take all preventive measures and maintain public order and is in constant touch with the state governments,” the spokesperson said.