Phagwara observes complete shutdown amid peaceful protests
PHAGWARA: Dalit-dominated Phagwara city witnessed a complete shutdown on Thursday, as members of general and Other Backward Classes (OBC) category observed a peaceful protest following a call for ‘Bharat Bandh’ against the parliament’s decision to amend the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (prevention of atrocities) Act in July that overrode a Supreme Court order, which diluted the act.the demonstration, which originated from Madhya Pradesh, reached the small city of Punjab.
The General Samaj Manch, an association in the city, held a peaceful protest and handed over amemorandumtosub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Dr Sumit Mudh and assistant superintendent of police (ASP) Sandeep Malik, demanding that the amendment be rolled back and the checks introduced by the apex court should be re-introduced.
“Now, no preliminary inquiry will be required for registering a criminal case and arrest under this would not be subjected to any approval, thus overturning the order of Supreme Court concerning certain safeguards against arrest under the SC/ST Act. This is unconstitutional and against the natural justice. Lok Sabha has not taken the general opinion of majority class of society and even amendment is made by ignoring the interests of the dominant class of society,” a memorandum stated.
Taking a precautionary measure, the administration had imposed Section 144 (unlawful assembly) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CRPC) in Phagwara to prevent any untoward incident.
“We request people to vote against the leaders of general category and defeat them, who supported the amendment in SC/ST Act in parliament. None of the representatives raised question against the came in the assembly,” said General Samaj Manch secretary Ashok Sethi.
Contrary to this, neighbouring cities Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar did not see any impact of the protest as most of the markets and local vendors were open whole day.