Security up in Jalandhar villages for Ambedkar Jayanti

The police here have made stringent security measures in rural areas as several Dalit outfits and political parties are scheduled to hold protest marches and rallies on the occasion of 134th birth anniversary of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar.

The security has been tightened in view of threats by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun-led Sikhs for Justice, a US-based pro-Khalistan outfit, following the vandalism of a statue of the Dalit icon in Phillaur’s Nangal village.

According to officials, 800 police personnel have been deployed in rural areas of Jalandhar after the vandalism incident sparked protests and angry responses from Dalit groups.

SSP (Rural) Harvinder Singh Virk said, “Widespread deputations of police personnel have been made in view of the Ambedkar Jayanti events and celebrations slated for Monday. At Nangal and across villages, police teams have been deputed and special nakas have also been set up. Security is under the constant purview of our SPs and GOs as well.”

The BSP and BJP leader Vijay Sampla will hold an event at Nangal village on Monday to mark Ambedkar’s birth anniversary.

The Lok Insaaf Manch will also hold a bike rally —“Sanvidhan Bachao Chetna March” — at Nangal village to mark the occasion.

The BSP will hold a “Punjab Sambhalo” rally at Nangal village. BJP leader Vijay Sampla, announced to hold an “Anakh Di Jot” (flame of pride) event at the village.

“To give a fitting reply to terrorist Pannun and kindle the light of pride in the community, reach Phillaur,” he said on his social media account.