No Bharat Bandh today: Dalit group calls off Aug 9 protest

New Delhi, Aug 9: The Bharat Bandh call given by the Dalit groups has been called off. The decision to call of the bandh scheduled for today was taken after the Lok Sabha passed the SC/ST amendment bill which overturned the SC ruling which had diluted certain provisions of the original legislation.

"Our major demand regarding the restoration of the SC\ST Act has been fulfilled" a written statement issued by the All India Ambedkar Mahasabha (AIAM) said on Wednesday.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale had on Wednesday appealed to the public not to take part in the August 9 bandh. He also urged the people to maintain peace and brotherhood in the country.

The AIAM thanked the various political parties for lending their support to the cause. It said that it had successfully achieved its first milestone in protecting the law. The dalit groups have postponed the "bandh" and given the government more time to meet their other demands, including the release of jailed dalit leaders, the group also said. The new deadline will be decided in due course of time, the group further said.