Anti-quota protests were held across the country on Tuesday against caste-based reservations in jobs and education, a week after the nationwide protest by Dalit groups against "dilution" of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act by the Supreme Court.
The Azad Sena Manch took part in the protest at the iconic Jantar Mantar. Organiser and promoter of Azad Sena Manch, which is also known as the Youth Equality Foundation, Abhishek Shukla told DNA that the poor people of the general category suffer the most and are forced to take their lives due to the poverty they face.
"Nothing is more important than the Supreme Court of India. We will also appeal to the government to review the condition of SC/ST Act. I only support reservation which is based on the economic condition of any person. We are not against our SC/ST brothers, but against the discrimination going on in the country in the name of equal rights," Shukla said.
Amit Kumar Tiwari of Sultanpur, another member of the organisation said that they are holding a non-violent protest against the government which appeases the backward class to increase their vote bank. "The 11 lives lost on April 2 is a shame on government and the people who were protesting. The people of lower caste file fake cases against upper caste people and blackmail them for money. This should stop and that is why we support The Supreme Court's initiative," Tiwari said.
Another protester, Santosh Shukla from Dwarka said, "From the last three generations, none of my family members have got any government job. I am a Brahmin and I am ready to be a sweeper in a government body. We have been a victim of caste-based politics and SC/ST appeasement for a long time now."
The ministry of home affairs had issued an advisory to all states on Monday asking them to make necessary arrangements and issue prohibitory orders, if necessary. It had clearly mentioned that the senior superintendent of police and the deputy superintendent of police would be responsible for any violence in their respective areas.
The administration and the police were all braced up for any untoward situation. A large number of police vehicles and water cannon trucks were deployed early on Tuesday.
