Gwalior, Oct 16 (NationPress) Heena Khan, the Superintendent of Police (SP) for Gwalior City, chanted "Jai Jai Shri Ram" in an effort to soothe tensions amid a renewed controversy regarding the proposed installation of B.R. Ambedkar's statue. She remarked that "all individuals residing in India are Sanatani".

In her conversation with IANS on Thursday, Khan shared that a high-level meeting was convened with senior police officials, including the Inspector General of Police and Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Gwalior region, following a protest announcement from various political factions.

She stated that after extensive discussions, the situation was significantly calmed.

"Conversations were ongoing with leaders from different parties, and the atmosphere was largely eased. However, to ensure public safety and maintain the normalcy of daily life, police forces were deployed," Khan informed IANS.

When asked about her chanting "Jai Jai Shri Ram" during a confrontation between a mob of protesting lawyers and law enforcement, Khan responded, "If invoking God's name can foster peace, then that is commendable."

She further asserted, "Bharatvarsh me sabhi sanatani hai aur sabko apni bat rakhne ka adhikar hai" (All Bharatiyas are Sanatani and they all have the right to express their opinions).

When questioned about her feelings during the mob's confrontation and their accusations of disrespecting Sanatan Dharma, Khan expressed, "Not angry, but yes, I was saddened. We all coexist and work in this nation, and everyone is entitled to express themselves. I was simply fulfilling my duty. If invoking God's name can bring tranquility, I believe that is a positive outcome."

The atmosphere in Gwalior turned tense after a clash between two groups of lawyers concerning the statue's installation in the premises of the Gwalior bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

The situation escalated on October 15 when supporters of former High Court Bar Association President Anil Mishra clashed with police while en route to a temple for a "Holy Sunderkand" recital, a reading from the Ramayana.

This issue dates back to February of this year when a proposal to install Ambedkar's statue at the Gwalior bench was submitted and subsequently approved by a High Court committee.

However, in March, a faction of lawyers opposed the proposal, leading to protests at the court premises, resulting in clashes with another group advocating for the statue's installation.

While Dalit organizations support the installation of Ambedkar's statue, another faction is advocating for a bust of B.N. Rao, a former justice and constitutional expert, to be placed within the High Court's premises.