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The Largest Bharat Bandh in History: A Nationwide Standstill on April 2, 2018

By NDP newsroom

The Bharat Bandh on April 2, 2018, remains the largest in India's history, sparked by the Supreme Court’s ruling amending the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The decision led to widespread anger, particularly among Dalit and Adivasi communities, triggering a spontaneous and massive nationwide shutdown.

Violence and Deaths During Protests

The bandh resulted in violent clashes, arson, and widespread unrest across states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh. Eleven people were reported dead, and many Dalit and Adivasi activists were arrested. Internet services were suspended in parts of Punjab and Rajasthan, and shootings occurred during protests in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

Aftermath and Impact

The protests saw brutal repression, with young activists suffering beatings and facing severe consequences such as job losses and false imprisonment. In Rajasthan, police compiled lists of prominent activists for detention. The bandh remains a historical symbol of resistance against perceived injustices faced by marginalized communities.

The SC/ST Act Controversy

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, aims to protect these communities from discrimination and violence. However, a 2016 report revealed low conviction rates, particularly in cases involving Dalits and Adivasis.

Supreme Court Ruling and Government Response

On March 20, 2018, the Supreme Court ruling restricted arrests under the SC/ST Act without prior approval, leading to nationwide protests. In response, the government filed a review petition challenging the ruling.

Law Enforcement and Protests

In the aftermath, thousands of protestors were arrested, curfews imposed, and heavy police deployments occurred in various states. Section 144 was enforced in some regions, while police actions led to reports against thousands of unidentified individuals.

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