Uneasiness looms over Bhima-Koregaon anniv

207th YEAR OF BATTLE | On January 1, 2018, clashes erupted near the war memorial at Perne in Pune district during the bicentennial celebration of the Bhima Koregaon battle

- Ashish Singh

In light of a recent incident in Parbhani district, the 207th anniversary of the Battle of Bhima-Koregaon (1818), scheduled for January 1, 2025, is being closely monitored by the security agencies.

Authorities are on high alert due to concerns about the law-and-order situation, particularly in vulnerable areas where tensions could escalate.

The annual commemoration at the village in Pune district traditionally attracts large crowds, particularly from the Dalit community, who gather at the Jaystambh (Victory Pillar) in Koregaon Bhima to honor the historic event.

The Dalit community commemorates the victory of the British East India Company forces, which included many Mahar soldiers, over the Peshwa army.

For the Dalit community, the battle represents a significant moment of pride, symbolising their resistance against the upper-caste oppression of the Maratha Peshwa regime.

Earlier this month, the Bombay High Court granted permission to the Maharashtra government to access the Jaystambh site from December 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025, to facilitate necessary arrangements for the commemoration.