Pune, January 1: Over five lakh Dalits have gathered in Bhima Koregaon near Pune city to mark the 202nd anniversary of a battle in which a Mahar regiment of the British Indian Army had defeated the "upper caste" Peshwas. The Bhima Koregaon episode, seen as an event to assert Dalit's resurgence, had sparked inter-caste riots in 2018. Taking cue from the violence which had erupted two years ago, the administration has taken a spree of preventive measures.

Internet has been suspended in several parts of Pune district, including Bhima Koregaon and nearby areas. The decision, said Pune district collector Naval Kishore Ram, is aimed at preventing the circulation of rumours which may end up stoking tensions and unrest. The authorities had also ordered schools, colleges and markets in Hima Koregaon region to remain closed on January 1. Bhima-Koregaon Battle 202nd Anniversary: Why British Victory Over Marathas is 'Defeat of Casteism' For Mahars.

The number of Dalits arriving at Bhima Koregaon's 'Vijay Stambh' -- the victory memorial built to honour the British regiment comprising of Mahar Dalits -- is expected to soar by later today. The total number of visitors had peaked to 10 lakh last year, reports said.

The state government had deployed additional security personnel in Bhima Koregaon region to prevent the breakdown of law and order. Towards, the Pune-end of Ahmedabad-Pune highway, several road diversions were imposed to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

Update by ANI

Earlier in the day, NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited Bhima Koregaon and paid tributes at the Jay Stambh. Among other notable politicians present at the event was Prakash Ambedkar, who heads the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA). In 2018, Ambedkar had led an agitation in Mumbai against the alleged violence perpetrated against Dalits who had gathered in Bhima Koregaon on the 200th anniversary of Anglo-Maratha battle.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 01, 2020 03:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).