Karnataka - Bidar   

Widespread protests against desecration of Ambedkar statue

Staff Correspondent

Activists of various Dalit associations seek stringent action against offenders

IN ONE VOICE: Various Dalit organisations taking out a procession in Gulbarga on Tuesday against the desecration of B.R. Ambedkar's statue at Beelagi in Bagalkot district.

Bidar: Many Dalit organisations protested in Bidar on Tuesday against the alleged desecration of B.R. Ambedkar's statue at Beelagi in Bagalkot district.

Dalit Sangharsha Samiti activists organised a rasta roko demanding action against offenders. Protestors marched to the Ambedkar circle. They formed a human chain and stopped traffic for over an hour. They shouted slogans against the Government for failing to stop such incidents.

District convenor Maruti Bouddhe observed that such incidents were on the rise in recent times. "The Government seems to be doing nothing to prevent insults to deprived classes and their leader Dr. Ambedkar.

If the State Government fails to take strict action against offenders now, the DSS will organise state-wide agitations," Mr. Bouddhe said. The protestors submitted a memorandum and dispersed.

Other DSS factions have also condemned the desecration of the statute. DSS (Bheema Vada) convenor Kalyanrao Bhosle, demanded that offenders be arrested. DSS (Ambedkar Vada) convenor Jagannath Pujari warned the Government against taking the Beelagi incident lightly. Dalit Horata Samiti leaders Raghunath Gaikwad and secretary Vijay Kumar have sought strict action against the offenders.

Situation in Gulbarga

The co-ordination committee of various Dalit organisations held a protest in Gulbarga on Tuesday condemning the incident. Protestors marched from the Jagat circle to the Deputy Commissioner's office.

They shouted slogans against the Government, for "failing to ensure a life of self-respect to the Dalits". They questioned the Government's commitment towards the welfare of Dalits. They alleged that Hindu fundamentalist forces were behind the attempt.

They accused Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy of joining hands with communal forces for the sake of power.

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