Dalit groups protesting at Thane railway station, Mumbai during the Maharashtra Bandh on Wednesday. Credit: PTI
New Delhi: The day-long ‘Maharashtra bandh‘ called by various Dalit and other organisations to protest the violence at the commemoration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle on January 1 has been withdrawn, Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh leader Prakash Ambedkar said this evening.
He told reporters that nearly 50% of the state’s population took part in the shut-down.
“The bandh was mostly peaceful barring two incidents in Mumbai and one in Aurangabad. I want to congratulate the protestors as they kept their calm even at a time when the emotions were very high. Police is taking combing operations in Aurangabad and that they should stop immediately,” said Ambedkar, according to the Times of India.
On Monday, January 1, thousands of Dalits had gathered at the Bhima Koregaon war memorial in Pune. One person was killed and three others were injured during violence that broke out after individuals with saffron flags allegedly torched vehicles and pelted stones at the Dalits who had gathered. Violence also broke out in other parts of Maharashtra.
Dalit groups announced today’s bandh to protest the violence.
Members of the Dalit community shout slogans as they participate in a protest rally in Mumbai, India, January 3, 2018. Credit: Reuters/Danish Siddiqui
People walk on a highway after it was blocked by members of the Dalit community during protests in Mumbai, India, January 3, 2018. Credit: Reuters/Danish Siddiqui
Members of the Dalit community shout slogans as they block a road during a protest in Mumbai, India, January 3, 2018. Credit: Reuters/Shailesh Andrade
Police patrol a street as members of the Dalit community hold a protest in Mumbai, India, January 3, 2018. Credit: Reuters/Shailesh Andrade
Members of the Dalit community shout slogans as they block a highway during protests in Mumbai, India, January 3, 2018. Credit: Reuters/Danish Siddiqui
Policemen stand guard at a traffic junction in Mumbai, India, January 3, 2018. Credit: Reuters/Danish Siddiqui
Dalit groups protesting at Thane railway station during the Maharashtra Bandh on Wednesday. Credit: PTI
Boys carry a flag while riding a bicycle across a deserted road after Dalits called for Maharashtra bandh to protest the Bhima Koregaon violence, in Mumbai on Wednesday. Credit: PTI/Shashank Parade
(With agency inputs)