5 die in dalit protests, curfew on, Army called in
■ A student leader was killed when he was hit by bullets allegedly fired by demonstrators in Morena town
At least five people were killed and several others, including some police personnel, injured as the protests by various dalit out fits against the recent verdict by the Supreme Court diluting SC, ST ( Prevention of atrocities) Act, 1989, as a part of “Bharat Bandh”, turned violent in MP on Monday.
Violence particularly engulfed the backward Gwalior- Chambal region of MP during the bandh, leading to imposition of curfew in districts of Gwalior, Morena and Bhind.
“Five people were killed and several others injured following incidents of violence witnessed in different places in the state during the bandh. Exchange of fire between clashing groups led to death of five people,” inspector general of police ( law and order) Makrand Deoskar told reporters here.
The police opened fire in air and lathicharged at several places to bring the situation under control, he added.
While two deaths each were reported in Gwalior and Bhind districts, a youth was killed in Morena district.
A student leader, identified as Rahul Pathak, was killed when he was hit by bullets allegedly fired by demonstrators while he was standing in the balcony of his house in district headquarters town of Morena, a senior district police officer said.
We are shocked and pained that some of my dalit brothers and sisters have been killed and injured. We support their cause...
— Mamata Banerjee , Bengal CM
I appeal to all political parties to help in maintaining harmony among different sections of the society.
— Rajnath Singh,
Union minister
The violence happening after the SC judgment on SC/ ST Atrocities Act is unfortunate. The govt's decision to file review petition is a welcome step.
— Bhaiyyaji Joshi,
RSS leader