Bharat-Bandh-Police lathi-charge protesters in Patna
Patna: The Indian police used brute force and lathi-charged protesters during the Bharat Bandh in Patna city, Bihar state.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the police lathi-charged protestors at Dak Bunglow Chowk in Patna, where a large number of protesters had gathered, holding posters and flags to voice their opposition. The protestors, believed to be members of the Bhim Army, were dispersed by the police using lathi charges and water cannons.
The people were protesting for the inclusion of a quota in the 9th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which would offer additional protection to these provisions. The protests were held in Patna, Purnea, Darbhanga, Hajipur, Jehanabad, Nawada, and other districts across Bihar.
The one-day Bharat Bandh was organized by the Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti in response to the recent Supreme Court ruling on “quota within quota.” The ruling has sparked controversy by suggesting that state governments can further classify Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities and create separate quotas for those considered more backward within these categories.
This decision has triggered widespread protests, as many fear it could fragment the rights and protection afforded to these marginalized groups.
The Bharat Bandh, aimed at protecting the rights of SCs and STs, received support from the INDIA bloc’s alliance partners, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), and various social organizations like the Bhim Army.
