April 2018 caste protests in India
In early April 2018, thousands of people from SC/ST caste groups protested against an order of the Supreme Court of India. In subsequent violence, nine died and hundreds injured.
Background
The Supreme Court alleged diluted of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Government of India has filed a review petition against the SC's order.[1]
Protests
The people from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) protested against the SC order.[2] Thousands of people took to the streets on 2 April 2018 when national-wide strike was announced by the SC/ST caste groups. The protests turned violent across several states in India as the protestors blocked trains, damaged public and private properties, clashed with police and people. There were also incidents of arson, vandalism and firing. Nine persons were killed; six in Madhya Pradesh, two in Uttar Pradesh, one in Rajasthan; and hundreds were injured. The incidents of violence was also reported in other states including Punjab, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra and Delhi.
Thousands of protesters were arrested and curfew was imposed in several places. 1700 anti-riot police was sent to states by the Government of India.