Independence Day Celebrations: Martyrs Honoured Amid Disruption Claims at Bahujan Kranti Stambh

Bulandshahar. In a poignant display of remembrance, the Bahujan Kranti Stambh, a monumental tribute to the martyrs of the 2nd April 2018 movement, stood as a symbol of homage on Independence Day. Yet, within this sombre commemoration, shadows of disruption arose as committee members accused the police of interference. Amidst this interplay of conflicting accounts, the resonance of the memorial and the movement it represents takes on a profound and intricate significance.

The Bahujan Kranti Stambh, situated in Sarai Village within Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahar district, stands as a dedicated memorial to the martyrs of the 2nd April 2018 movement. This movement was launched in protest against the dilution of the SC/ST Act. The memorial's construction, supervised by the Bahujan Kranti Stambh Nirman committee led by former IPS officer Devi Singh Ashok and chaired by Roop Ram Singh, was made possible through generous donations from thousands of supporters. Although initially planned for April 2nd, the memorial event was rescheduled for August 15th.

Regrettably, the cultural events were marred by police intervention. Ruparam Singh, Chairman of the Bahujan Kranti Stambh Nirman committee, conveyed that the committee's intention to honor the martyrs and hold cultural festivities on Independence Day was disrupted by the police. The tent was removed, and the tent house owner detained. Despite this, the flag was eventually hoisted under the presence of IPS Officer BP Ashok. The committee managed to felicitate the martyrs' families at an alternate location but Ruparam lamented the substantial financial loss incurred due to police actions.

Cultural Events Disrupted Due to Police Action

Speaking to The Mooknayak, Ruparam Singh, the Chairman of the Bahujan Kranti Stambh Nirman committee, stated, "We had planned to felicitate the family members of the martyrs of the 2nd April 2018 movement along with hosting some cultural events for Independence Day. However, the police confiscated the tent and detained the owner of the tent house. We managed to hoist the flag only when IPS Officer BP Ashok arrived at the venue. The committee proceeded to honor the families of the martyrs at a private location."

Ruparam expressed his regret over the substantial financial loss, amounting to lakhs of rupees, incurred by the committee due to the police's actions. Ruparam conveyed to The Mooknayak that the administration has withheld approval for the installation of statues. The rationale behind this decision is the potential to attract large crowds of thousands of people to the venue.

However, in response, S.P. Singh, the SHO of the Sayana Police Station, when speaking to The Mooknayak, denied the committee members' allegations. He asserted that all scheduled programs, including the flag hoisting, were successfully conducted within the premises.

The 2nd April 2018 Movement

On April 2nd, 2018, SC/ST organizations rallied against the Supreme Court's March 20th ruling on the atrocities act. This ruling stipulated that arrests could only occur with prior permission and allowed courts to grant anticipatory bail if a complaint seemed to misuse the act. The aftermath of these protests compelled the government to file a review petition in the Supreme Court.

Victims Elevated to Martyrdom- A "Bharat Bandh" was called which saw masses of people taking to the streets in opposition to the Supreme Court's decision. Train halts and blockades were executed in various places, with the organizers urging peaceful observance of the bandh. Amidst this, memorandums and petitions were submitted to the administration against the SC/ST Act's dilution. However, in regions across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, peaceful protestors faced attacks by casteist individuals. Tragically, at least 13 lives were lost and hundreds were injured. All victims were from the Dalit community, highlighting the violence's origin from those opposed to the protests. This led to the registration of numerous FIRs against Dalits.

Regarding the 13 victims from the Scheduled Caste community, Former IPS officer S.R. Darapuri emphasized, "These individuals are being revered as martyrs due to their commitment to a cause, akin to freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and others." Professor Ratan Lal, echoing this sentiment, stated, "They sacrificed their lives during the 2nd April movement, thus earning the title of 'Shaheed'."

Bandh Aftermath

The comprehensive Bharat Bandh left a distinct impact nationwide, unsettling upper-caste and non-Dalit populations. Reports surfaced of joint harassment by administration and upper-caste individuals targeting Dalits. Returning demonstrators were attacked, allegedly by Bajrang Dal and BJP Yuva Morcha in Rajasthan's Bharatpur district. Disturbing accounts of molestation against women emerged, and accusations were made against a BJP politician for firing upon innocent people. Notably, the residence of the then BJP MLA Rajkumari Jatav and former minister Bharosi Lal Jatav in Rajasthan's Karauli area was set ablaze.

Government's Response to Protests- With Lok Sabha elections nearing and Assembly polls scheduled in five states in 2018, the government yielded to Dalit groups' demands. The SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Amendment Act 2018 was introduced, effectively overturning the Supreme Court's verdict. Furthermore, a review petition was filed, with the government vehemently disagreeing with the March 20th verdict. The government contended that weak law enforcement had resulted in low conviction rates under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.