Bihar Protests Disrupt Traffic Amid Community-Based Reservation Controversy

Protests in Bihar disrupted traffic as demonstrators blocked roads and railways in support of the Bharat Bandh, opposing a Supreme Court decision on SC/ST reservation sub-categorization. Police resorted to mild lathi-charge to manage the situation. The Rashtriya Janata Dal and other organizations supported the bandh.

Vehicular traffic in Bihar faced brief disruptions on Wednesday as protestors set up blockades, backing the Bharat Bandh prompted by groups opposing community-based reservation.

Protestors halted train operations at Darbhanga and Buxar railway stations, compelling police to use mild lathi-charge to clear roads, including national highways in Patna, Hajipur, Darbhanga, Jehanabad, and Begusarai districts.

A significant number of protestors amassed at Darbhanga and Buxar stations, interrupting Bihar Sampark Kranti and Farakka Express trains. Security forces eventually dispersed the protestors, restoring normalcy to rail traffic.

In Patna, police employed mild lathi-charge at Dak Bungalow chowk to disperse road-blocking demonstrators. Senior Superintendent of Police Rajeev Mishra confirmed no injuries were reported, and the situation was swiftly controlled.

Jehanabad district saw clashes as agitators blocked National Highway-83. Five protestors were detained and removed, ensuring traffic flow resumed.

Protests in other districts like Madhepura, Muzaffarpur, Saran, Begusarai, Hajipur, and Purnea saw tyre burnings and attempted blockages, which were quickly counteracted by security forces.

Independent MP Pappu Yadav and supporters joined the protests, criticizing the NDA government's stance on SC/ST reservations. Recruitment exams for Bihar Police continued with police assistance for aspirant transport.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal and INDIA bloc allies supported the bandh, opposing the Supreme Court's ruling, arguing it undermines reservation principles for SC/STs.

(With inputs from agencies.)