Amid Dalit protests and vandalism of icon’s statues, govt braces for Jayanti

NEWDELHI: The upcoming Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14 is emerging as a major challenge for the Centre, which Thursday issued its third advisory in two weeks in the wake of protests against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Centre’s advisory asking the state governments to beef up security for the Dalit icon’s birth anniversary comes alongside a workshop asking nodal officers and some ministries to ensure the occasion turns out to be a success.

The ministry of home affairs issued a statement asking the states to take measures to prevent any untoward incident. “...patrolling should be intensified in all sensitive locations to ensure that no loss of life and property takes place, and prohibitory orders may be issued wherever necessary,” it said.

This is the ministry’s third advisory within a fortnight, after it first sent a note before the April 2 ‘Bharat Bandh’ called by Dalit groups. The day was marred by violence and civilians deaths across multiple states of India

Another advisory was sent before the April 10 strike called by groups opposing caste-based reservation in jobs and education.

Its latest advisory stressed that district magistrates and superintendents of police may be asked to take all necessary steps to ensure that law and order situation remains firmly under control. The communication was issued in the wake of reports of vandalism of statues, and the violence on April 2 and April 10, it added.

“The MHA has advised them to activate community policing initiatives to ensure peace and harmony,” a ministry official said.

Representatives of various Dalit organisations Thursday demanded that the Centre bring an ordinance to restore the status quo of the SC/ST Act and include it in the Constitution’s Ninth Schedule, which provides protection to legislations under it and isn’t open to judicial scrutiny.

At a meeting in Delhi, Dalit leaders said they would observe April 14 as “Protect Constitution Day” across the country.