Amid tight security and administrative vigilance, statues of Gurjar leader Colonel Kirori Singh Bainsla and other reservation agitation martyrs were unveiled in Kushalipura, Rajasthan. The unveiling ceremony, led by Colonel Bainsla’s son Vijay Singh Bainsla, took place in the presence of Gurjar community members and martyrs’ families. Religious rituals and a havan were conducted at the ceremony.
The installation site, located within the Critical Tiger Habitat zone of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, was closely monitored by the administration throughout the event. Security arrangements were strengthened due to potential tensions following a recent confrontation between the Gurjar community and police. Additional police personnel were deployed, and senior officials were present to ensure peace.
The statues of Colonel Kirori Singh Bainsla, Martyr Radheshyam, and Martyr Kanhaiya Lal were unveiled on behalf of the Gurjar community. Floral tributes were paid by community members after the unveiling. The controversy surrounding the installation site stems from the community’s demand to establish a martyr memorial where Gurjar members lost their lives during the reservation agitation.
Efforts are being made to maintain the status quo while exploring alternative locations for the statues. Despite objections from the administration regarding the location within the Tiger Reserve, the community remains steadfast in their demand. Colonel Bainsla emphasized the significance of the site and compared it to the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, asserting that the statue would be installed at Kushali Darra.
Supporters gathered at the venue for a three-day Lord Devnarayan fair and tribute program following the unveiling. Community members expressed their demand for a memorial at the historic protest site, echoing songs dedicated to Colonel Bainsla.
