Hindutva activists banned from Bhima-Koregaon

Tribune News Service

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Mumbai, December 23

Apprehending attacks on Dalits celebrating the 202nd anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon on New Year’s Day, the Uddhav Thackeray government today banned the entry of 163 persons into the area.

According to officials from Pune district, the 163 persons externed from the area include Hindutva leaders Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote, who are accused of instigating local villagers to attack Dalits two years ago.

The attack on various Dalit communities on the 200th anniversary of the battle two years ago sparked off riots across Maharashtra.

An FIR filed following the violence named Bhide and Ekbote after several of those who attacked the Dalits were found sporting T-shirts of organisations headed by the duo. Both leaders are known Hindutva hardliners with Bhide often appearing in public with former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Ekbote who was arrested shortly after the violence two years ago is presently out on bail.

The Thackeray government has made elaborate arrangements at the Victory Pillar at Bhima-Koregaon where the British defeated the Marathas in 1817. The British forces included Indian soldiers from the Mahar community who were honoured at the memorial.

Maharashtra’s Dalits view the victory over the Marathas as a symbol of their assertiveness.

Battle anniversary

• Dalits will celebrate the 202nd anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon on New Year’s Day
• In 1817, the British defeated the Marathas at Bhima-Koregaon where the Victory Pillar has been raised
• The British forces included Indian soldiers from the Mahar community. Dalits see the victory as a symbol of assertiveness

163 externed

According to officials from Pune district, the 163 persons externed from the area include Hindutva leaders Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote, who are accused of instigating local villagers to attack Dalits two years ago