On 10th April, several cities and districts of Rajasthan were put on high alert and security was beefed up in Jaipur and 13 other districts over the Bharat Bandh call. This shutdown was declared by a group of people belonging to the General category against the reservation for SC/ST community.
It’s important to note that on April 2, the Dalit community had declared Bharat Bandh in order to protest against the SC ruling. Back then, it was to express anger against the modifications made by the apex court in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989.
Since the shutdown caused a great loss and damage of public property leading to traffic jams and other inconveniences to the masses, the authorities decided to be ready with all preparations beforehand this time.
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Apart from the police forces, army personnel were also allocated sensitive areas to assess the situation. Strict orders were given to prevent any act of violence in cities and it was ensured that the law and order situation in the state was not disturbed.
Precisely, Sec 144 was imposed in Jaipur and some other places of the state and many schools remained shut. The marketplace also remained shut until the evening and the internet service was suspended in the state from 10 pm on Monday till 10 pm on Tuesday.
In order to be prepared for any forthcoming incident of violence in the state, the IGs and SPs were asked to take strict action against people who were found to be involved in any anti-social activity. Furthermore, 3000 men of Central Paramilitary Forces were appointed in places like Hindaun, Gangapur, Seewana, and Jaitaran. All these cities were majorly affected by riots and violence on 2nd April.
Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria also clarified that although there wasn’t any official announcement by any social group about Bharat Bandh, a viral message on social media was the reason that the state was prepared for any mishap.
Contrary to the rumours and anticipations by the disturbing elements, the state didn’t face any damage or any kind of harm. Although in Bihar, a violent encounter between the supporters and protestors of the shutdown took place despite high alert, no such activity was observed in Rajasthan. The states like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh were also kept on high alert.
