Vehicular movement was affected in various parts of the State on Monday due to a Bharat Bandh observed by Dalit organisations protesting the dilution of the SC, ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
In Bhubaneswar, several Dalit organisations also staged road blockades on the National Highway at Vani Vihar, Jayadev Vihar and Acharya Vihar, for which hundreds of vehicles temporarily remained stranded on the road.
The Odisha Dalit Adhikar Manch (ODAM) led by its president Manas Jena held a protest meeting at Jayadev Vihar which was attended by Dalit and Adivasi activists from different districts and leaders of political parties, who supported the bandh.
The activists and leaders expressed concern over the Supreme Court’s judgement on the SC, ST Prevention of Atrocities Act and demanded immediate submission of a review petition by the Central Government for reconsideration of the apex court’s ruling, said ODAM State coordinator Prasant Mallick.
later, a five-member ODAM delegation went to the Raj Bhavan and submitted a memorandum to the Governor’s representative addressed to the Prime Minister.
Similarly, the Communist Party of India held a protest rally in the city led by Bharatiya Khet Mazdoor Union State secretary Sura Jena alleging that after the BJP has come to power, atrocities and violence against Dalits, Adivasis and minorities have increased.
The effect of the bandh was mainly felt in the tribals-dominated districts. While buses remained off the roads, shops and other business establishments were shut in Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Sundargarh and Balangir districts.
A rail roko was staged at the Khetrajpur station in Sambalpur by the Adivasi Dalit Sena, resulting in halting of the Sambalpur-Puri and Sambalpur-Rayagada trains.