Mumbai: The Movement for Peace and Justice for Welfare (MPJ), a prominent public movement in Maharashtra, has expressed deep concern over the recent violence in Parbhani, and the custodial death of an individual. The MPJ has submitted memorandums to the Chief Minister through district officials in various parts of the state, demanding a high-level inquiry into the matter.
The violence erupted on December 10 near the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Parbhani after a copy of the Constitution was reportedly damaged. Several individuals were injured, and private and public property suffered significant damage. During the unrest, the police detained several individuals, including Somnath Suryavanshi, who later died in police custody.
The family of the deceased and members of the local community have alleged that Suryavanshi’s death occurred under suspicious circumstances, raising questions about police conduct. MPJ has called for an impartial and independent investigation to uncover the facts surrounding his death. If any wrongdoing or unnatural cause of death is revealed, MPJ has urged strict action against the perpetrators in accordance with the law.
The organisation has also demanded a thorough investigation into the incident of damaging a copy of the Constitution to determine the circumstances and those responsible, aiming to prevent such occurrences in the future.
MPJ General Secretary Afser Usmani, while speaking to the media, stated, “We appeal to the Maharashtra government to intervene promptly and ensure justice.”
He emphasised the need for dialogue with all stakeholders to restore peace and harmony in Parbhani.
MPJ State President Mohammed Siraj described the damage to the Constitution’s copy and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statue as disgraceful and condemnable acts.
“This is not just an attack on our democratic values but also an insult to the founders of our nation,” he remarked.
While acknowledging the outrage such incidents cause, Siraj urged people to protest peacefully, adhering to the principles of brotherhood enshrined in the Constitution. He also stressed that such incidents stem from ignorance about the Constitution.
“Our Constitution is not only one of the best in the world but a living document that represents our societal values and aspirations. It should reflect in our daily lives and social, economic, and political systems,” he added.
MPJ has also appealed to the government to launch widespread awareness campaigns to educate the public about the significance of the Constitution and its values.
