Cane wielding dalits, protesting torching of their dwellings in Gohana, forced shopkeepers to down their shutters in the city on Saturday even as police mounted patroling in the sensitive areas.
Shopkeepers of main markets, including the posh Model Town Market, Rainak Bazar, Atari Bazar downed shutters to avoid any untoward incident as Dalit youth equipped with canes were seen roaming in the city forcing the shopkeepers to close shops, police sources said.
However, no major violence was reported from the city where elaborate security arrangements have been made.
Although the markets remained closed, financial institutions, including banks and educational institutes, remained open.
Subhash Sondhi, leader of the Dalit community, whose house were torched on Wednesday in Gohana village of Haryana, while addressing the protestors, demanded adequate compensation to the affected families and strict action against those responsible of inhuman act against Dalits.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has promised financial assistance to the Dalit victims at Gohana.