Chandigarh, Apr 1 (UNI) National Scheduled Castes Alliance (NSCA) on Tuesday described as a "cowardly act" the painting of "provocative" pro-Khalistan slogans on the glass frame of a statue of Bhimrao Ambedkar in Nangal village of Punjab's Jalandhar district and called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into such incident.

Blaming “Sponsored bad elements” for the act, NSCA President Paramjit Singh Kainth accused the Punjab government of :seemingly failing" to maintain peace and order.

He said the government's "indecisive" attitude has emboldened anti-social elements and alleged that anyone can carry out "any incident at any time".

He alleged that different types of anti-social forces were coming to the fore from time to time, but the government's policies are becoming weak, whereas there is a great need to remain vigilant.

The Aam Aadmi Party government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is working "against"

the fraternal bonds which have existed in Punjab "to serve their political interests", he alleged.

Kainath alleged that the state Home Department has been "unsuccessful" in fulfilling its responsibility, with recent incidents "sparking" anger, resentment and discontent in the minds of people who believe in Baba Saheb Ambedkar.

These serious cases should be investigated by the NIA so as to stop the growing numbers of such incidents, Kainath said. UNI GS SSP