Lucknow: BSP chief Mayawati on Monday said that she supported the protests against the SC/ST Act, but condemned the violence that has taken place.


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"I support the protest against the SC/ST Act. I have got to know that some people spread violence during the protests, I strongly condemn it. Our party is not behind the violence during the protests," she said.


Mayawati added, "Strict action should be taken against those who spread violence during the protests," as per ANI.


Violent protests erupted on Monday during a nationwide bandh called by Dalit organisations against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.


While some states ordered the closure of educational institutions and curtailed communication and transport services, including rail, incidents of arson and vandalism were reported from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Punjab, among other states.


Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thawarchand Gehlot tweeted: 





On the other hand, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh appealed for peace, while Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government was not a party to the Supreme Court decision on the SC/ST Act and 'respectfully' did not agree with its reasoning behind the verdict, PTI reported.


Prasad also said the government has filed a very comprehensive review petition in the matter.


(With Agency inputs)