Violence Breaks Out During 'Parbhani Bandh'; MVA Condemns Attack on Ambedkar Statue

Parbhani (Maharashtra), Dec 11 (NationPress) An outbreak of large-scale mob violence, sporadic arson, stone-pelting, and destruction of both public and private properties was observed during a shutdown protest aimed at condemning the desecration of a statue dedicated to B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, officials disclosed on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, unidentified vandals had damaged a replica of the Constitution held by the statue outside the Parbhani railway station, sparking intense protests and violence in the area.

Outraged by the insult to Ambedkar's statue, numerous local Dalit organizations mobilized and declared a Parbhani bandh, which received overwhelming support starting Wednesday morning.

This incident prompted strong reactions from various leaders, including Prakash Ambedkar, President of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), allies of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, state President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Jayant R. Patil, and Kishore Tiwari, spokesperson for Shiv Sena (UBT), among others.

The majority of shops, businesses, and educational institutions remained closed for the day, as throngs of protesters filled the streets, chanting slogans in honor of Ambedkar and condemning the incident, which heightened political tensions in the state ahead of the Winter Session of the Legislature set to commence in Nagpur on December 16.

Protesters hurled stones at vehicles near the Collectorate and set fire to rubber tires or piles of garbage on the streets while wielding sticks and rods. In response, additional security forces were deployed to assist local police.

In efforts to manage the unruly crowds, police resorted to mild baton charges and used teargas shells on at least one occasion. They chased groups of protesters in various areas to minimize further destruction.

As a precautionary measure, authorities urged residents to avoid rumors, stay calm, and even temporarily cut off internet access in the city. Meanwhile, police arrested one suspect believed to be involved in the defilement of the statue.

Units of armed police and other forces were positioned at key locations throughout the city, and security measures were intensified in other sensitive districts across the state.

The vandalism of the Constitution of India on Babasaheb's statue by casteist miscreants in Parbhani is utterly shameful, Prakash Ambedkar stated. He emphasized that this is not the first incident of vandalism against Babasaheb's statue or symbols of Dalit identity.

Denouncing the incident, Wadettiwar expressed concern that the defacement of the statue has escalated tensions in Parbhani and questioned the police and administration's delayed response.

Patil criticized the incident and lamented the growing apathy in society regarding such offenses.

There are insufficient words to condemn this dishonor. The MVA has campaigned for five years to uphold democracy and the Constitution, yet certain vested interests are shamelessly targeting the people's icon, Ambedkar's statue, Tiwari remarked.

In an appeal for peace, Ambedkar noted that local VBA workers were the first to arrive at the scene and protest, prompting police action, which led to an FIR and the arrest of one suspect. However, he warned that if all responsible parties are not apprehended within 24 hours, there would be repercussions.

The situation escalated due to a lack of swift police action. The government must reassure the public that the issue will not intensify, Wadettiwar urged, calling for cooperation among Constitution supporters and the public.

Patil demanded accountability for those who incite public unrest, while Tiwari accused the ruling MahaYuti of neglecting governance while Parbhani faces turmoil.

(Quaid Najmi can be reached at qnajmi@gmail.com)