Bharat Bandh in Bihar: Intense protests have erupted across Bihar in opposition to the implementation of the creamy layer in SC-ST reservations. Leaders from various organizations have taken to the streets, carrying banners and posters in protest. The bandh’s impact is most pronounced in Jehanabad, Nawada, Buxar, and Ara, with reports of arson and significant traffic disruptions emerging from multiple areas.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Bharat Bandh causes significant disruption across Bihar.
- Roads blocked by protesters, causing traffic standstills.
- Widespread traffic disruptions reported.
Jagran Team, Patna: Bharat Bandh Effect in Bihar: Protests have spread throughout Bihar in response to the proposed implementation of the creamy layer in SC-ST reservations. People have taken to the streets in cities including Patna, Jehanabad, Chapra, Siwan, and Sheikhpura. Numerous reports indicate severe disruptions to traffic, causing considerable inconvenience to the public.
Policeman Accidentally Hits SDO with Baton During Patna Bandh
Amidst the Bharat Bandh called by various organizations over the reservation issue, a chaotic scene unfolded at the Dak Bungalow intersection in Patna, where police resorted to baton charges. During the commotion, a policeman mistakenly struck Sadar SDO Shrikant Kundalik Khandekar on the back with a baton. The incident left the SDO visibly shocked. The SDO was in the process of shutting down a generator attached to a DJ system when the unintended blow occurred.
Lathi Charge on Protesters in Patna
Police used force to disperse protesters in Patna who were demonstrating in support of a one-day Bharat Bandh against the Supreme Court’s recent decision on reservations.
Protesters Halt Bihar Sampark Kranti Express for an Hour
As part of the nationwide protest, Dalit organizations blocked the Bihar Sampark Kranti Express at platform one of Darbhanga Junction on Wednesday morning. Protesters stood in front of the train’s engine from 8:25 AM to 9:15 AM, delaying its departure. The track was cleared after an hour, following interventions by GRP, RPF, and railway officials.
Protesters Block Train at Ara Railway Station
Supporters of the bandh halted the Saharsa-Rani Kamalapati Special Train on platform two at Ara Railway Station. Additionally, RJD and CPI (ML) workers attempted to disrupt train movements near the eastern gate of Ara by blocking the tracks. A train bound for Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Station from Patna was briefly halted near Jamira Halt. Local police and RPF personnel worked diligently to clear the tracks.
Train Blocked in Madhubani
The Bharat Bandh had a significant impact in Madhubani, where supporters stopped the Jaynagar-Samastipur and Samastipur-Jaynagar passenger trains for nearly an hour at Madhubani Railway Station. Furthermore, supporters blocked roads at Chabhachha Chowk in the city and at NH 527B in Dullipatti village near Jaynagar.
Protesters Set Fires in Nawada
In Nawada, protesters resorted to arson as part of the Bharat Bandh. The situation in Jehanabad saw the complete halt of all vehicles, except for essential services, with all shops remaining closed. The highway was also blocked, creating severe inconvenience for travelers.
Bandh Impact in Jehanabad
In Jehanabad, bandh supporters blocked the Patna-Gaya main road (NH-83) near Unta Mor, an action that also garnered support from the Mahagathbandhan alliance. The bandh was organized in protest against the inclusion of the creamy layer in SC-ST reservations.
Patna-Gaya NH 83 Blocked with Trucks
In Nawada, the intensity of the protest was evident even as candidates gathered for a scheduled constable recruitment exam amidst the bandh. Crowds filled the market area, and protestors holding flags and banners gathered at the city’s Democracy Chowk, where they forcefully halted vehicles. The police remained on high alert.
Bhim Army Members Protest in Nawada
Shops were shut down in Nawada as Bhim Army members took to the streets with flags and banners. Protests were also held at Democracy Chowk in Nawada.
Rail Tracks Blocked in Buxar
As part of the Bharat Bandh, Bhim Army members blocked the rail tracks near New Bazaar Gumti in Buxar. Railway police were on-site, working to clear the tracks.
Bharat Bandh’s Impact in Sitamarhi
In Sitamarhi, the Bharat Bandh had a noticeable impact as various groups protested against the Supreme Court’s decision to apply the creamy layer to SC-ST reservations. Most educational institutions were closed, and the administration remained on high alert, particularly in areas prone to vandalism. The bandh also affected import-export activities along the India-Nepal border. Amidst the protests, a constable recruitment exam was scheduled to take place at nine centers in Sitamarhi, posing potential challenges for candidates trying to reach their exam venues.
In Reega, near Sitamarhi, bandh supporters were seen burning tires and shouting slogans. A large crowd gathered at Reega Mill Chowk, where bamboo barriers were set up to block traffic.
