Bharat Bandh live news updates: Protests gain momentum in Bihar, other states step up security arrangements

The Bharat Bandh has been called by anti-reservation groups against caste-based reservations.

ANI photo

NEW DELHI: The protests slowly gained momentum in Bihar after demonstrators stopping train has emerged from Bihar's Arrah and created a ruckus in Darbhanga. However, after April 2 protests that left at least 8 dead, the Centre has beefed up security in most states. This Bharat Bandh protest was called by various anti-reservation groups opposed to caste-based reservations. The Home Ministry has requested all state governments to be extra vigilant to avoid any violence and loss of life and property. Section 144 has been imposed in several places in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Internet services have also been suspended at some places following reports of posts on social media and messages on WhatsApp calling for the protests on April 10.

On April 2, several Dalit outfits called a nation-wide protest against Supreme Court's judgement of 'dilution' the SC/ST Act. At least 10 were dead and several injured in the Bharat Bandh protests. Refusing to review the ruling, the top court said that those agitating on the streets may not have even read our judgment. Meanwhile, the Centre said that they said are fully committed to protecting the interests of the backward communities.

On March 20, the top court diluted the provisions of the SC/ST Act, stating that government servants should not be arrested without prior sanction and private citizens, too, should be arrested only after an inquiry under the law.

10 April 2018

12:47 IST

The life remained by and large normal in Uttar Pradesh today despite a country-wide shut down called by some groups against the caste-based reservations in jobs and education.
The official sources said there was no report of any untoward incident from anywhere in the state till around noon during the ongoing 'Bharat Bandh.

11:17 IST

Two groups broke into clashes Bihar's Arrah during Bharat Bandh protests, gunshots heard.

#WATCH: Clash between two groups in Bihar's Arrah during protests against caste-based reservations, gunshots heard. pic.twitter.com/s0RUA4KP2B

— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2018

09:37 IST

The section 144 of the Indian Penal Code prohibits assembly of five or more people in an area 

09:36 IST

Prohibitory orders have been imposed in various parts of the country. Section 144 has been imposed in Rajasthan`s Jaipur and Bharatpur, Madhya Pradesh`s Bhopal and Uttarakhand`s Nainital. 

09:31 IST

Massive jam ensued in Bihar's Barh, after protestors blocked NH 31.

09:22 IST

Curfew imposed in Madhya Pradesh's Bhind and Morena. 

Protests against caste-based reservations: Curfew imposed in Bhind and Morena. (Visuals from Morena) #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/Tg4Kink7Wu

— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2018

09:21 IST

Protests intensify in Bihar's Arrah where demonstrators have stopped a train

Protests against caste-based reservations in jobs and education: Visuals from Bihar's Arrah where protesters have stopped a train pic.twitter.com/N6wePxP0tQ

— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2018

08:02 IST

No reports of untoward incidents in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut.

No impact of #BharatBandh call seen as yet in Meerut. MHA had issued an advisory that some groups would be protesting against caste-based reservations in jobs and education. pic.twitter.com/E2ovRWjrDd

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 10, 2018

07:29 IST

The Police carried out flag marches at several places on Monday. 

07:10 IST

In an Advisory, the MHA advised the states to beef up security and make appropriate arrangements to prevent any untoward incident, including the issue of prohibitory orders, if necessary. It has asked for intensification of patrolling in all sensitive locations so as to prevent any loss of life or damage to property. The Advisory stressed that District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police be made personally responsible for ensuring that law and order situation remains firmly under control in the areas of their jurisdiction.

07:00 IST

In Rajasthan, representatives of different communities, including such as Karni Sena, Jat Mahasabha, Jat Samaj Sewa Sansthan and Akhil Bharatiya Gurjar Mahasabha, informed the district administration in Bhilwara that they did not support the bandh call for April 10. 

07:00 IST

As many as 6000 police forces will be deployed in Bhopal. The schools will, however, remain open. Bhopal commissioner said that the police department will keep a tab on social media and strict action will be taken against rumour-mongers.

06:58 IST

Section 144 has been imposed in select places in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh

06:51 IST

Section 144 imposed in Rajasthan's Bharatpur till April 15 after protests over SC/ST protection act. Internet services will be suspended at 9 am on Tuesday. 

Section 144 imposed in Bharatpur till April 15 after protests over SC/ST protection act. Internet services will be suspended at 9am, today. #Rajasthan

— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2018

06:40 IST

Several groups circulated of WhatsApp messages and posts on social media, calling for a Bharat Bandh on April 10. Some groups of theses called for Bharat Bandh protesting against reservation system while some other groups will be protesting against the violence that erupted during the Bharat Bandh called by Dalit groups on April 2.