Congress warns of protest over vandalism of memorial plaques

Office-bearers and activists of various wings of Congress have threatened to launch a protest if the administration fails to take action against various miscreants who have allegedly damaged and removed over 24 inauguration stones and plaques from various memorials across the state.

The ultimatum was given following a recent incident in which some miscreants allegedly removed the plaque from a statue of one of the first fighter of the freedom movement, Baba Maharaj Singh, installed at Rabbon Uchi in the district.

Denying receiving any complaint regarding the incident, Payal DSP Hemant Malhotra said a probe would be initiated into the sequence of events that led to the alleged removal of the signage from the statue.

“Legal action will be taken against anyone found guilty of damaging public property after a formal complaint is received from anyone,” said Malhotra.

Former Payal MLA Lakhvir Singh Lakha alleged that some unidentified persons had disrespected the Sikh saint by removing the signage (foundation plate) that was laid by former CM Charanjit Singh Channi in December 2021.

“It is not the first time that miscreants have damaged or removed foundation stones laid by our leaders. At least 24 such incidents have taken place after the AAP came to power but no action was ever taken against the perpetrators of the crime,” said Lakha, cautioning that an agitation against the administration would be launched in case the miscreants are not identified and booked.