Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 29: The Joint Action Committee of Reserved Categories of Jammu & Kashmir (JACRC), comprising over three dozen associations of SC, ST, OBCs and religious minorities today held a protest dharna at Panama Chowk (Jammu) over recent vandalism of Dr BR Ambedkar’s statue at Bani.
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Raising slogans of ‘Jai Bhim’, protesting people condemned this anti-national act by some anti-social elements. The Committee demanded immediate booking of culprits under named FIR and installation of a new statue at the same site, warning of a UT-wide agitation including a Maha Rally in Jammu if action is delayed.
Addressing a press conference on the occasion, JACRC leaders accused the Central and J&K governments of failing to curb atrocities against SC/ST/OBC communities, alleging that such incidents have sharply risen in BJP-ruled states since 2014. They criticized Kathua district administration for delaying arrests and registering only an open FIR until local organizations protested.
Sham Basson, president Dalit Chetna Manch, said post-abrogation of Article 370 and poor implementation of the SC/ST Atrocities Act in J&K have emboldened anti-social elements.
Mohinder Bhagat, president of Bhagat Mahasabha, expressed fear that widespread atrocities nationwide could push the country towards civil conflict.
Prof G L Thapa, working president of JKRCEA, stated that despite peaceful protests after every atrocity, governments led by right-wing forces remain indifferent, encouraging repeat offences.
Dr Rajinder Sambyal, president of Dr B R. Ambedkar Welfare Society Greater Kailash, expressed strong resentment over the Government’s silence four days after the vandalism. He demanded a time-bound inquiry and exemplary punishment to deter recurrence.
Other attendees included R C Bhasin (AJSGRDS), V K Kundal (Dr B R Ambedkar Welfare Society, Greater Kailash), F C Satia (AIBCF), K K Fotra (president Sain Samaj), Bhushan Dogra, Abdul Majid Malik (All India Backward Classes), Shamsher Chand (Sadguru Kabir Sabha), Sham Lal Radha (All J&K Barwala Sabha), Brij Mohan Mehra (Akhil Bartiya Kashyap Sabha), Joginder Paul, Narinder Dutt Bhagat, R D Thapa and Shahid Saleem.
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