Gandhi statue uprooted to make way for clock tower | India News – Times of India

DIBRUGARH: The Removal of a Mahatma Gandhi Statue to make way for the build of a bell tower has led to large protests in Doomdoomaa city in Assam’s Tinsukia districtThe 1.7-metre-high statue, which stood at Gandhi Chowk in the city for years, was removed on Wednesday using an excavator.
Former Congress MP from Doomdooma, Durga Bhumij, led the protest. He said, “We will not allow the clock tower to be built on the site of the statue of the Father of the Nation. They can build the clock tower anywhere but Gandhi’s statue should remain on its original site. It is an insult to him. The sentiments of the people have been hurt.”
Following a public outcry, BJP MP Rupesh Gowala from Doomdooma on Thursday assured that a new and bigger statue (2 metres) of the Mahatma would be installed at the original location, next to the clock tower, within six months.
Despite the promise of a new statue, residents have voiced displeasure over the clock tower that would stand next to the statue. Concerns have been raised about the symbolic significance of placing the Gandhi statue under the clock tower, which is considered emblematic of British colonial heritage.
“Gandhi led the freedom movement against British rule. His statue should not be overshadowed by the clock tower. It should be built somewhere else,” a local alleged.