Desecration of Ambedkar statue: Garhi, Arora fume against Pannun

Chandigarh: Jasvir Singh Garhi, chairman, Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission , has written to the state police chief to ensure security of Dr B R Ambedkar's statues in Punjab.

Garhi mentioned that anti-national slogans were written on the statue of Dr Ambedkar in Nangal village of Phillaur tehsil, for which Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had taken responsibility by releasing a video. In view of this, a case of sedition should be registered against Pannun under the SC/ST Act 1989 , and a red corner notice should be issued against him, said Garhi.

The ruling AAP also condemned the derogatory remarks made by Pannun against Dr Ambedkar.

AAP Punjab chief and minister Aman Arora , along with party leaders Neel Garg and Sunny Ahluwalia, hit out at Pannun, calling him a "traitor" and a "fugitive", who was attempting to incite hatred and division among Indians from a foreign land.

Garhi, meanwhile, said Pannun should be brought to India and appropriate legal action must be taken against him.

He also demanded that the state police should install CCTV cameras to ensure the security of the Ambedkar statues located at various places in the state so that no anti-social elements could commit such an act in future.

If such incidents continue, there will be a threat to communal harmony in the state, which can lead to economic and social losses, Garhi added.

"Ambedkar is not just the pride of the Dalit community, but the pride of the entire nation. He is an icon of all religions and communities, and it is because of his vision that India is recognised as the world's largest democracy today. His contributions empowered common citizens to rise to prominent positions and serve the nation," emphasised Arora.

Taking strong exception to Pannun's reported call to desecrate Ambedkar's statues on April 14, the AAP leader said: "I challenge you, if you have the courage, come here yourself."

He said: "On that day, thousands of AAP workers will stand guard at every Ambedkar statue across Punjab with flags and sticks, ensuring their protection and paying tribute to Baba Sahib Ambedkar."

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