The Hindu : Front Page : Damage to Ambedkar statue sparks protests in Madurai

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 24, 2007
ePaper

Front Page

Front Page

Damage to Ambedkar statue sparks protests in Madurai

S. Vijay Kumar

— Photo: K. Ganesan

VIOLENT REACTION: Windowpanes of buses were shattered in stone throwing on Avaniapuram Main Road in Madurai after a statue of B.R. Ambedkar was damaged.

MADURAI: Damage caused to a statue of B.R. Ambedkar led to protests in Madurai on Tuesday with members of various Dalit organisations resorting to road blockade in the city and district demanding action against those responsible. Seventeen buses and a lorry were damaged in stone-throwing incidents.

According to police sources, residents noticed a “disrespectful” act on the statue at Madurai Municipal Colony in Avaniapuram early in the day. A large number of people blocked the Avaniapuram-Airport road condemning the incident. Road blockade was also reported from Chinthamani, Chinnaudaipu, Mudakkathan, Oomachikulam and a few other places in the city.

Around 250 persons, including women and children, were taken into custody for blocking traffic. They were released in the evening.

An irate mob went around throwing stones at buses in and around Avaniapuram. Sixteen buses of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation and a private bus were damaged. Senior police officers visited the spot and assured the agitators of appropriate action at the earliest.

Bus services to Avaniapuram and surrounding areas, which were suspended for most part of the day, resumed late in the evening. Security was tightened at vulnerable points and near statues of leaders in Madurai.

Various organisations, including the Adhi Tamizhar Peravai, Puthiya Tamizhagam, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi,’ Bahujan Samaj Party and All India Ambedkar Peoples Party, condemned the incident.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page