Bharat Bandh called off

Mumbai, Aug 09: In a major relief, The Bharat Bandh which was scheduled for Thursday, announced by the Dalit group has been called off after the SC/ST amendment bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

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

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday appealed to the public not to participate in the bandh and urged them to maintain peace and harmony in the nation.

The AIAM thanked other political parties for showing their support and said that they have successfully achieved the target in protecting the law.

Earlier, the Dalit groups had postponed the strike and had given more time to the government to meet their demands, which included the release of jailed Dalit leaders. The revised deadline will be decided soon, the group said.