Mumbai: Thousands of followers of BR Ambedkar congregated at Chaityabhoomi, in central Mumbai, on Wednesday to pay homage to the Dalit icon on his 50th death anniversary amidst tight security in the wake of last week's violent protests against desecration of his statue in Kanpur.
With the Vilashrao Deshmukh-led Congress government taking no chances and declaring the day as a holiday in schools and colleges, thousands of people stood in long queues since early morning on roads leading to the spot near Shivaji Park where Ambedkar, the architect of India's constitution, was cremated.
Contrary to apprehension of major traffic snarls, Mumbai on Wednesday witnessed smooth vehicular movement with most private companies and commercial establishments in the city remaining closed in anticipation of violence.
Police said there were no reports of any untoward incidents from anywhere in the city or its suburbs.
Mumbai police, on the edge since last week's Dalit upsurge that resulted in torching of trains and vehicles, imposed several traffic regulations by closing certain roads leading to Shivaji Park in central Mumbai's Dadar area to vehicular traffic.
"All road leading to the venue of the celebration will remain closed to vehicle traffic till mid-night Wednesday. Parking is also strictly banned on these roads till December 7," said Satish Mathur, Joint Commissioner of police, traffic.
Police enhanced security by deploying Border Security Forces (BSF), Rapid Action Force, Riot Control Police and Central Reserve Police Force in addition to its own manpower across the city and smaller Dalit-dominated pockets in the suburbs to ensure peace.
"We are not taking any chances to maintain law and order as the day also coincides with the 16th anniversary of Babri mosque demolition as well the annual Urs of Baba Maqdoomi Dargah at Mahim in central Mumbai," said Mumbai police chief A N Roy.
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