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Gwalior SP Heena Khan's Surprising Stance: Why 'Sanatani' Matters

Gwalior's Superintendent of Police Heena Khan found herself at the center of a heated controversy surrounding an Ambedkar statue installation. Her strategic use of "Jai Jai Shri Ram" chants and inclusive statement about all Indians being Sanatani helped diffuse a potentially volatile situation. Khan emphasized the importance of peaceful dialogue and mutual respect during the confrontation. Her approach demonstrated a nuanced understanding of managing complex social tensions in a diverse democratic setup.

Key Points: Heena Khan Sanatani Remark Amid Ambedkar Statue Controversy

  • Tensions erupted over Ambedkar statue installation at Gwalior High Court
  • SP used spiritual intervention to manage lawyer mob confrontation
  • Multiple discussions held to prevent potential public unrest
  • Conflict traces back to February's statue proposal approval
3 min read

All Bharatiyas living in India are Sanatani, says Gwalior SP

Gwalior SP Heena Khan defuses tension with 'Jai Shri Ram' chant, declares all Indians Sanatani during high-stakes legal dispute

"If taking God's name can bring calm, I think it's a good thing. - Heena Khan, Gwalior SP"

Gwalior, Oct 16

Gwalior City's Superintendent of Police (SP) Heena Khan, who chanted "Jai Jai Shri Ram" to calm the mob amid a fresh round of controversy escalated over the proposed installation of B.R. Ambedkar's statue, said that "all individuals living in India are Sanatani".

Speaking to IANS on Thursday, Khan said that a high-level meeting of senior police officials, including Inspector General of Police and Deputy Inspector General of Police of Gwalior region, had been held after a protest call from various political parties was announced.

She claimed that after multiple rounds of discussions, the situation was largely defused.

"Discussions were ongoing with the leaders of different parties and the situation was largely diffused. However, to ensure public safety and that daily activities of citizens were not affected, police forces were deployed," Khan told IANS.

Responding to her chanting "Jai Jai Shri Ram" during a face-off between a mob of protesting lawyers and police, Khan said, "If the God's name can bring peace, then I think it's very good."

She also added, "'Bharatvarsh me sabhi sanatani hai aur sabko apni bat rakhne ka adhikar hai' (All Bharatiyas are Sanatani and they all have right to express their views)."

Asked if she was angry when the mob confronted her and accused her of disrespecting Sanatan Dharma, Khan replied, "Not angry, but yes, I was saddened. We all live and work in this country and everyone has the right to express themselves. I was doing my duty. If taking God's name can bring calm, I think it's a good thing."

Gwalior became tense after a face-off between two groups of lawyers over the installation of Ambedkar's statue in the premises of the Gwalior bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court.

The tension escalated on October 15 when supporters of former High Court Bar Association President Anil Mishra clashed with the police while heading to a temple for a "Holy Sunderkand" recital, a reading of a chapter in Ramayana.

The issue traces back to February this year when a proposal to install Ambedkar's statue at the Gwalior bench was submitted and subsequently approved by a committee of the High Court.

However, in March, a group of lawyers opposed to the move held a protest at the court premises, leading to clashes with another group of lawyers who supported the installation of Ambedkar's statue.

While Dalit organisations are in favour of Ambedkar's statue, another group wants to install the bust of B.N. Rao, a former justice and Constitutional expert, in the High Court's premises.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the SP's efforts to maintain peace, saying "all Bharatiyas are Sanatani" is factually incorrect. India is a diverse country with multiple faiths and beliefs. We should respect all equally without imposing one identity on everyone.
A
Arjun K
Jai Shri Ram! 🙌 It's heartening to see a police officer using our cultural values to maintain peace. The real issue is why we're fighting over statues when both Ambedkar and our constitutional values deserve respect.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in India for 5 years, I find this situation complex. The police officer's intention to maintain peace is commendable, but the statement about everyone being Sanatani might not sit well with religious minorities. India's strength is its diversity.
K
Kavya N
Dr. Ambedkar fought for equality and justice for all Indians. Installing his statue in a High Court premises is completely appropriate. The controversy is unnecessary - both our heritage and constitutional values can coexist peacefully.
V
Vikram M
The police did their job well in controlling the situation. But we need to ask ourselves why such simple matters become communal issues. Can't we honor Ambedkar while respecting our Hindu traditions? Both are part of our Indian identity.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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