10 Apr 2018 | 09:06 AM UTC
India: Clashes in Bihar state over caste-based quotas
Clashes break out between supporters and opponents of caste-based quotas for education and jobs during bandh (general strike)
Event
Clashes broke out during a bandh (general strike) staged in Bihar state on Tuesday, April 10, injuring a dozen people. The fighting involved supporters and opponents of the caste-based quota system in place for jobs and spots at educational institutions. This violence comes a week after Dalit groups (low-cast Hindus; formerly "untouchables") held nationwide protests against the dilution of a law which offered them special protections - the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act - by the Supreme Court. Major violence broke out in various parts of the country during the protests, leading to the deaths of nine people.
Context
On April 9, the Union Home Ministry issued a nationwide advisory to ensure that adequate security measures are in place to prevent violence during the anti-quota bandh. Separate security alerts have also been issued in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan states, all of which experienced deadly violence during the Dalit protests.
Advice
As a precautionary measure, individuals currently present in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan states are advised to avoid public gatherings and rallies, and to refrain from discussing the issue with locals. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
