Violence In 5 States, Punjab Schools Shut For Bharat Bandh: NEW DELHI: Violence erupted in parts of Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh as Dalit groups tried to enforce an all-India shutdown over a Supreme Court order. Punjab came to a virtual standstill as the government shut schools, strengthened security, and put the army on stand-by. Several cities, including state capital Chandigarh, saw violence. Clashes took place in Ranchi and Barmer. In Meerut, protesters resorted to arson, setting vehicles on fire. Dalits are protesting against a Supreme Court order, which, they say, dilutes a law to ensure the community's protection. The Centre has appealed to Supreme Court to review the order.In Punjab, hundreds of protesters carrying swords, sticks, baseball bats and flags forced shops to shut in Jalandhar, Amritsar and Bathinda. The protests also hit traffic in and around Chandigarh, with protesters blocking highways and arterial roads. Mobile internet services have been suspended till 11 pm as part of security measures. Public transport is off the road.
Class 10 and 12 CBSE board exams have been put off in Punjab. New dates will be announced. Banks and offices also shut down. Security has been stepped up in Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Nawanshahr and Hoshiarpur, which have the highest Dalit population..