Upper-caste members in Gwalior have called for a massive protest on September 4. The agitation, called by several caste groups – including the Gurjar, Jaat and Yadav Mahasabha – is against the amendment in the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act).
News18 reports that an anti-Dalit sentiment is running high in the caste-sensitive region of Gwalior. A reason for this is the reservation quota provision for the lower castes.
The administration and the police are on high alert and they also expect Dalit youths to counter-protest which might lead to violence.
The new amendment will overturn the Supreme Court ruling in April of this year to abolish the mandatory arrest provision in the Act. Widespread protests against the ruling led to its overturn in the monsoon session.
The groups are protesting against the BJP and the NDA led government because of their decision to overthrow the Supreme Court ruling.
Organisers who spoke to News18 said that they expected at least 15,000 to 20,000 people in the rally. Gagan Tiwari, one of the organisers said, "We have asked the administration to identify anti-social elements which might make attempts to disrupt law and order during our peaceful protest."
Tiwari, along with other organisers alleged that a misuse of the SC/ST Provisions Act has also kindled these sentiments among the upper-castes.
The organisers also said that several groups such as the Karni Sena, Parashuram Sena, Jaat Mahasabha, Pal Sabha, Prajapati Samaj, Vaish Samaj, Kshtriya Mahasabha, Yadav Mahasabha, Gurjar Mahasabha will be joining the protest.
Back in April, a Dalit Mahabandh had left eight dead and several injured.
