Dalit Group Calls Off Protest, Says Will Decide New Date If Govt Doesn’t Fulfill Remaining Demands

A relief to the government as the Dalit group has called off ‘Bharat Bandh’. The Dalit group had scheduled Bharat Bandh today, withdrew their bandh after the Lok Sabha on passed the SC/ST amendment bill which overturned the Supreme Court ruling which had diluted certain provisions of the original legislation. The Rajya Sabha passed the constitutional amendment Bill granting constitutional status to National Commission of Backward Classes. The upper House also passed an amendment to the Criminal Law Act that awards death penalty to child rape convicts.

On Wednesday a written statement was issued by the All India Ambedkar Mahasabha (AIAM) which said, “Our major demand regarding the restoration of the SCST Act has been fulfilled.” Earlier yesterday, Dalit Leader and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale had appealed to people not to take part in Bharat Bandh on August 9. Athawale urged people to maintain peace, harmony, and brotherhood in the country.

The AIAM said it will decide on a new deadline for the government to meet their remaining demands. Ashok Bharti, chairman of AIAM told News18.com, “If the Centre does not accept our demands we will hit the streets again.” Bharti also said that this was done keeping in mind the Kanwariya Yatra. The AIAM thanked other political parties for showing their support.