In the midst of ‘Bharat Bandh’ called by certain minority groups in the Madhya Pradesh to protest against amendments in the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the state government has geared up to deal with the agitation by increasing the security in various parts of the state, reports News18.
In four districts of Madhya Pradesh including Morena, Shivpuri and Bhind–all three in Gwalior-Chambal region, and Ashok Nagar, Section 144 under CrPC has been declared.
Makrand Deuskar, IG Law and Order told the media, “Police have been directed to contact the groups holding protests and do arrangements as per scheduled program. If needed, police can also carry out restrictive proceedings.” He added, “Police headquarters have alerted all the superintendents of police in view of proposed bandh on September 6.”
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan ordered the SPs and district collectors to ensure law and order is maintained on Thursday during the agitation. He also directed them to remain in touch with the social workers and public representatives, reported News18.
Bhind District Collector Ashish Gupta was quoted as saying, “In view of proposed Bharat Bandh on September 6, the prohibitive orders under CrPC section 144 have been imposed in the district.”
He added, “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’.”
National President of ‘Brahma Samagam Sawarna Jankalyan Sangathan’ Dharmendra Sharma claimed that 150 organisations of upper castes and OBCs will be joining the protests.
Joint Director, Dept of Higher Education in Gwalior has asked for the schools and colleges to be shut down on the day of the protest. “We will protest peacefully on September 6. Through this protest, we will demand withdrawal of this black law. All the sections except SC/ST are affected due to this amendment.We will also write letters to all MPs of the country”, reported News18.