Pune, Jan 1: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi president Prakash Ambedkar paid tributes at the 'Jay Stambh' near here on Wednesday on the 202nd anniversary of Koregaon Bhima battle.
Lakhs of people congregate every year at the 'Jay Stambh' (victory pillar) near Koregaon Bhima village to offer tributes on the anniversary of the battle, which was fought on January 1, 1818 between the British East India Company and the Peshwa faction of the Maratha Confederacy.
Violence broke out during the bicentenary celebrations of the Koregaon Bhima battle on January 1, 2018 in which one person was killed and several others were injured.
Police have made elaborate security arrangements to ensure no untoward incident takes place during the congregation at the victory pillar, an official said.
Talking to reporters after visiting the victory pillar, Pawar said he came to offer tributes on behalf of the people of Maharashtra.
"This pillar has history and every year lakhs of people come here. Some untoward incidents took place two years ago, but the government is taking utmost care and elaborate police bandobast has been made here to ensure that no untoward incident takes place," he said.
Pawar also urged people to visit the war memorial in a peaceful manner.
"I appeal to people to come here and offer their tributes, but maintain peace and do not believe in rumours," the NCP leader said.
Prakash Ambedkar also offered his tributes at the victory pillar.
Pune Police last week issued notices to several people, including right-wing leaders Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide, and members of Kabir Kala Manch, barring them from entering the district for four days from December 29.
The notices, as part of preventive action, were issued to all those against whom cases were registered in connection with the violence two years ago.
Ekbote was arrested in March 2018 for allegedly instigating and orchestrating the violence around Koregaon Bhima.
Bhide was also booked and named in the FIR, but never arrested.
The police attributed the violence to the Elgar Parishad conclave held here on December 31, 2017, where provocative speeches were allegedly made.
They are also probing the alleged "Maoist link" of some activists to the Elgar Parishad conclave.
Several Dalit groups observe the anniversary of the Koregaon Bhima battle, in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.
The memorial, located at Perne village on Pune- Ahmednagar road, was constructed by the British in the memory of soldiers who died in the battle.
Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory as soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces.
The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.
Comments
Let this fellow think for a while what could have been his approach when his daughter is put in Asifa's place. It gives suspicion that Mr. Gupta has some "Gupta" link with accused?. Why these fellows are devoid of humanity at least??......
Its a Small Issue to you because you are not a Human and that girl is not your Daughter. Cant imagine if you have a Daughter how she will react by hearing your Comments. Shame on you..
Really it is a small issue if you agrees that it also applies to my daughter,sister,and mother.
Mr. Gupta, it is a small issue because the innocent girl raped was not your daughter.
Aren't you a human, a father? Don't you have a child? Why don't they think before uttering words?
Not surprised. This is what I expect from Sangh Parivar. Your language shows your culture
If this is minor, then what is a major incident? Just because the girl is a Muslim the incident become a small issue for you?
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