Patna: Dalit organisations intensified their protest over reservation in Patna on Tuesday with a large number of protesters gathering at Gandhi Maidan for the “Reservation Badhao, Samvidhan Bachao” (increase reservation, save the Constitution) movement. The protesters raised slogans against social injustice and marched towards Lok Bhavan but were stopped near J P Golambar. Eight protesters, including committee convener Amar Azad, were detained.
The protesters demanded 65% reservation for SC, ST, OBC and EBC communities in Bihar, reservation in promotions for SC-ST employees and its implementation in the private sector, judiciary and Supreme Court. They also sought abolition of the collegium system, reservation under the Ninth Schedule, 50% reservation in govt contracts, an end to killings of dalits and justice for victims.
People from different areas reached Gandhi Maidan carrying banners, flags and posters of Dr BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi. One poster read, “Implement reservation in the Supreme Court.” Protesters also raised slogans including, “Whoever clashes with Dalits will be crushed.”
Police erected barricades at J P Golambar and Dak Bungalow Square to prevent the march towards Lok Bhavan. This time, barbed-wire barricades were used instead of iron sheets placed at construction sites during the previous protest. Some protesters climbed over the barricades and clashed with police, following which several were detained.
Around 400 police personnel, including 23 station officers and nine ASPs and DSPs, were deployed at Dak Bungalow crossing. A water cannon was also kept ready.
Amar said dalit and tribal communities continued to face caste-based discrimination and atrocities, including after reaching senior positions such as IAS and IPS officers.
Gandhi Maidan SHO Akhilesh Kumar Mishra said eight people had been detained. “No force was used on the protestors, and heavy security was deployed to stop them from proceeding towards restricted area,” he said.
Courtesy : TOI
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