Khalistani terrorist and Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on March 31 claimed responsibility for the vandalism of BR Ambedkar's statue in Nangal village, Phillaur, Jalandhar, and issued a threat to remove all Ambedkar statues in Punjab before his birth anniversary on April 14. In response, heavy security was deployed as Dalit organisations condemned the act, demanding swift police action and warning of further protests.