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Dalits-Sainiks clash again in Bombay

Jake Khan in Bombay

Ramabai Nagar in north-east Bombay remained tense for the second day today, as Republican Party of India activists continued their violent protests against the desecration of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's statue in Powai on Tuesday.

Tension mounted in the area as two politicians from the warring factions decided to pay the township a visit. Stray incidents of stone throwing were reported and traffic diverted from Chembur when Ramdas Athavale of the Republican Party of India and Narayan Rane of the Shiv Sena visited the area.

Dalits hold Shiv Sainiks responsible for the desecration of Dr Ambedkar's statue on Tuesday. Yesterday, several Sena shakhas (party offices) were ransacked by angry mobs. Today, members of the two parties fought pitched battles at several places.

Agency reports said police used water cannons to separate the clashing groups.

Shops and commercial establishments remained closed until late evening in the area. Police said the trouble today was restricted to Nalanda Nagar and Kamaraj Nagar - one kilometre away from Ramabai Nagar - on the Eastern Express Highway.

However, stray incidents of stone pelting were reported from neighbouring Thane too.

Ramabai Colony has a population of over a lakh. The settlement, which lines the Eastern Express Highway, has several pockets of Dalit households - mostly Tamilians and Maharashtrians.

Six State Reserve Police platoons have now been stationed in the troubled area and senior police officers are keeping a close watch on the situation.

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