Activists of the Republican Party of India (RPI) turned violent on Thursday while protesting against the Centre’s decision to allot only four acres for Ambedkar’s memorial.
The party had demanded 12.5 acres of Indu Mills, owned by the National Textile Corporation — a Government of India undertaking.
On Wednesday, Union Minister of State for Textiles Panabaka Lakshmi announced in the Rajya Sabha that the National Textile Corporation (NTC) would part with four acres for the memorial.
Angered by the Centre’s decision, RPI workers spilled on to the streets on Thursday, blocked roads and held protest rallies.
Around 4,000 RPI workers, led by RPI leader Ramdas Athawale, marched from Chaityabhoomi to Indu Mills at Dadar. The protesters turned violent after they reached Indu Mills compound, burned tyres and tried to break the gate down. Later, they barged into the mill compound, damaging the mill remains with sticks and iron rods.
“If the government does not change its decision, then it will have to face more violent protests. We are warning the state government to take immediate steps. Today’s protest was an outburst of people’s emotions and if it continues, then it will be a hard time for the government,” said Athawale.
Activists of Republican Sena blocked the road at Eastern Express Highway near Priyadarshini at Chembur. Traffic came to a halt for over 30 minutes after the protests.
Anandraj Ambedkar, chief of Republican Sena, the organisation which captured Indu Mills on December 6, held a press conference condemning the Centre’s decision.
Similar protests took place in Navi Mumbai, Wadala and Worli Naka. The activists burned the effigies of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Union Minister of State for Textiles.
“The Congress is not the owner of this country. We demand a roll back in the decision. If they fail to do so, we will campaign against the Congress in the coming elections. We do not care who comes to power after that,” said Ambedkar.
