Amarinder calls for restraint by Dalits ahead of bandh call
Sunday, 01/04/2018
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CHANDIGARH: With several Scheduled Caste organisations and other bodies giving a state-wide bandh call on April 2 (Monday) against the perceived dilution of the SC/ST Atrocities Act, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh has called for restraint from all sections of the populace.
“Punjab has the highest proportion, in the country, of Scheduled Castes in its population at 32%. The government is committed to safeguarding their interests. I appeal to all citizens, especially the members of the SC community, to keep restraint and maintain law and order in larger public interest,” he said in a statement.
He added, “The government respects the sentiments of all sections of society and their rights to express their views in a legitimate and peaceful manner. However, nothing must be done to endanger the hardearned atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the state.”
“The Punjab Vidhan Sabha unanimously adopted a resolution to express solidarity with our SC brethren during its recently concluded budget session,” he added.
Meanwhile, in Jalandhar, paramilitary forces have been deployed.
