Ambedkar Statue Vandalized Again in Hoshiarpur; SFJ's Pannun Claims Responsibility
In a disturbing incident, the statue of B R Ambedkar in Nurpur Jattan village near Garhshankar, Hoshiarpur district, has been vandalized once more. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the general counsel of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), claimed responsibility for this act in a video released on Tuesday. This marks the second such attack on the statue, following a similar incident in June last year.
Police Investigation and Previous Vandalism
Police officials confirmed that the statue, situated on private property outside the village, was previously vandalized in June last year. In that case, two individuals were arrested. The latest video footage purportedly shows the glass enclosure around the statue being broken before the statue itself was damaged. Garhshankar DSP Daljit Singh Khakh stated that a case has been registered, and teams have been formed to identify and arrest those involved in this latest act of vandalism.
Vulnerable Location and Lack of Consensus
DSP Khakh highlighted that the statue's isolated location has made it particularly vulnerable to such attacks. According to police reports, there were discussions last year about relocating the statue to a more common and secure area. However, no consensus was reached among the stakeholders, leaving the statue exposed to further risks.
Political Condemnation and Calls for Action
Condemning the incident, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar emphasized that such acts are deliberate attempts to disturb social harmony. He called for strict and immediate action against those responsible, urging authorities to ensure justice is served swiftly to prevent any escalation of tensions in the region.
Broader Implications and Community Response
This repeated vandalism raises serious concerns about the safety of public monuments and the need for enhanced security measures. The community in Nurpur Jattan and surrounding areas has expressed outrage over the incident, with many calling for stronger protection of cultural and historical symbols. The involvement of a banned outfit like SFJ adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, as authorities work to address both the criminal and potential extremist aspects of the case.
As the investigation progresses, residents and officials alike are hopeful that the perpetrators will be brought to justice, and measures will be implemented to safeguard such statues from future attacks. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining social cohesion and protecting public property in sensitive areas.
