Tensions flared in Sarih village, located in the Phillaur sub-division of Jalandhar district, Punjab, after a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was found vandalized on Sunday morning. Unknown miscreants had defaced the revered statue and scrawled pro-Khalistan slogans, including "Khalistan Zindabad" (Long Live Khalistan), on its base and surrounding wall.
The incident, believed to have occurred overnight, came to light when local residents discovered the desecration. News of the vandalism spread rapidly, leading to significant anger and resentment, particularly among members of the Dalit community who hold Dr. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, in high esteem.
Local leaders and members of various Dalit organizations quickly gathered at the site, expressing their strong condemnation of the act. They demanded immediate action from the police to identify and apprehend the culprits responsible for attempting to disturb communal harmony.
Police officials, including those from the Phillaur station, arrived at the scene to assess the situation. They initiated an investigation into the matter and assured the agitated crowd that swift action would be taken. The offensive slogans were subsequently painted over by the authorities in an attempt to pacify the situation.
Community leaders emphasized that such acts are deliberate attempts to provoke and create rifts within society. They called for vigilance and urged authorities to ensure that those behind this provocative act are brought to justice promptly to prevent similar incidents in the future. The police are reportedly examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and gathering intelligence to track down the perpetrators.
