Ambedkar statue vandalism: Parties, social bodies gear up for rallies, marches on April 14

Amidst a large number of angry reactions and responses by political leaders and heightened security in the wake of the vandalism of Dr BR Ambedkar’s statue in Phillaur on March 31, the BSP and the Lok Insaaf Manch will be holding rallies and marches at the site of the same statue to mark Ambedkar’s birth anniversary on April 14.

The BSP, which held a dharna at the statue site and lifted it only after the arrest of two men accused of the vandalism, shall be holding a district-level “Punjab Sambhalo” rally at the site on April 14. The Lok Insaaf Manch will also be holding ‘Sanvidhan Bachao Chetna March’ at Nangal on April 14.

Dr Ambedkar Social Welfare and Educational Society is also planning “pehra” (vigils) from tomorrow in Phillaur to prevent untoward incidents.

While BSP state president Avtar Singh Karimpuri will preside over a BSP rally, the Lok Insaaf March has called for a bike rally involving at least 300 motorbikes and various vehicles.

BSP state president Avtar Singh Karimpuri said, “The incident which happened on March 31 cannot be taken lightly. The police have announced that they have arrested the accused. But our fight will continue. The government needs to make concrete arrangements so that such incidents are not repeated. Setting up of the CCTVs and security is fine, but even after the March 31 incident, for five days there was no CCTV at the Phillaur statue – even though we had taken it up after the Amritsar incident. It was finally installed with the BSP’s efforts. The government is responsible for responding to divisive calls and take preventive measures. But I feel the government wasn’t as serious as it should have been. Our April 14 rally will be aimed at waking up the sleeping government.”

Karnail Phillaur, member Lok Insaaf Manch said, “The March 31 incident was an attempt to disrupt peace in state. All communities have lived peacefully at Phillaur for long and Sikhs, Hindus, Ravidass and Ambedkarites organisations are one. Our April 14 March will also be peaceful march upholding the legacy of Ambedkar."

Amritpal Bhonsle, President Dr. Ambedkar Social Welfare and Educational Society, leader of Satguru Ravidass Welfare Society, Phillaur and Adampur Coordinator of the Congress party, said, “The declaration by SFJ leaves nothing to imagination. Satguru Ravidass and Ambedkar Mission societies of Phillaur will be holding a meeting at Phillaur tomorrow regarding plans for events on April 14. From tomorrow onwards these societies’ members will also sit on rotation wise ‘watches’ at Dr. Ambedkar Chowk at Phillaur to avoid any untoward happenings and similar continuous event is being planned for April 14.”

Punjab