CM Mann Vows to Uphold Punjab's Communal Harmony After Ambedkar Statue Vandalism
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Synopsis
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has condemned the vandalism of Ambedkar's statue in Amritsar, promising strict action against the culprits. The incident, which took place on Republic Day, has sparked protests and demands for justice from various community leaders.
Key Takeaways
- CM Mann condemns statue vandalism.
- Strong action promised against the guilty.
- Incident occurred on January 26.
- Dalit organizations call for Amritsar shutdown.
- Investigation is ongoing to determine the motive.
New Delhi, Jan 27 (NationPress) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has vehemently denounced the vandalism of Ambedkar's statue in Amritsar, pledging decisive action against those responsible. In a message posted on X on Monday, CM Mann declared that no one will escape justice.
A suspect vandalized the statue on January 26 evening on Heritage Street adjacent to the Golden Temple complex. He was apprehended shortly after a video of the incident circulated widely.
Police stated that the accused, Akashdeep Singh, is a member of the Scheduled Caste community. The individual used a hammer to damage the statue and set fire to the stone-carved Constitution book positioned nearby, employing flammable materials. He climbed a ladder to access the statue’s top.
The exact motive behind this act is still under investigation. Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, the Amritsar Police Commissioner, confirmed that a first information report (FIR) has been filed and the perpetrator has been arrested.
As investigations continue, CM Mann emphasized in his post that the unity and brotherhood of Punjab will not be compromised.
He stated in Punjabi on X, "The act of vandalizing the statue of Baba Sahib Bhim Rao Ambedkar Ji at Heritage Street in Sri Amritsar Sahib is utterly condemnable. No one will evade punishment for this incident. Those responsible will face severe consequences. No one will be allowed to disrupt Punjab's communal harmony. Orders have been given to the administration to thoroughly investigate this matter and take stringent action against the offenders..."
On Monday, members of Dalit organizations called for a shutdown in Amritsar to protest the attacking of the revered statue of B.R. Ambedkar on the eve of Republic Day.
They demanded rigorous action against the arrested suspect.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal, a member of the Shiromani Akal Dal, urged citizens to remain calm, expressing that the attempt to desecrate the statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar at Heritage Street is disgraceful and part of a scheme to fracture our society and incite unrest in Punjab. Such actions must be met with strict repercussions. I implore the people of Punjab to maintain their composure.
Former Deputy Chief Minister and Akali leader Sukhbir Badal stated, "I strongly condemn the effort to deface the statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar Ji at Heritage Street in Sri Amritsar Sahib on Republic Day. This abhorrent act has offended the sentiments of countless individuals. I demand prompt action against the perpetrator and a thorough investigation to uncover the conspiracy behind this disgraceful event. Let us unite against such nefarious attempts to sow discord in our society."
In response to the incident, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema remarked, "This act attacks the very principles of our Constitution and equality. The accused has been detained, and the Punjab government will ensure stringent actions against him."
Local MP and Congress leader Gurjeet Singh Aujla urged the government and authorities to act swiftly against the offenders. "Protecting and honoring Ambedkar’s legacy is crucial as it forms the backbone of our democracy," he stated.
Tarun Chugh, BJP National General Secretary, criticized the AAP government for the worsening law and order situation, stating, "The Bhagwant Mann administration is negligent. Law and order in Punjab is deteriorating. The CM appears preoccupied with tourism while the statue of B.R. Ambedkar is vandalized and the Constitution is disrespected, and that too right outside the police station," he told the media.
