Bharat Bandh: Yogi Adityanath appeals for peace

As protests against dilution of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act spread to many parts of Uttar Pradesh on Monday, state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured that the interest of backward communities remains paramount. Speaking about the 'Bharat Bandh' protest raging across the country, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh told news agency ANI: "We have filed the review petition in Supreme Court. I appeal to all political parties and groups to maintain peace and not incite violence." Dalit agitators have come out in heavy number across the country to protest against the dilution of the SC/ST Act by the Supreme Court. Trains have been blocked in various states, while shops are also being forced to shut.