India: Stop Attacking Dalits in Uttarakhand (press release by NAPM)

NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF PEOPLE'S MOVEMENTS
National Office : 6/6 Jangpura B, New Delhi – 110 014 . Phone : 011 2437 4535 | 9818905316
E-mail: napmindia@gmail.com | Web : www.napm-india.org

PRESS RELEASE

STOP ATTACKING DALITS IN UTTARAKHAND

ENSURE EQUALITY IN TEMPLES & PUBLIC SPACES

On 10th October, 2015, a Jan Adhikar Rally organised by NAPM, RSD and Jan Haq Manch was stopped in 9 villages and dalits who supported the rally were asked to pay a fine of Rs. 50,000 by the Panchayat in the village Lakhsyar. Savarnas of 9 villages had promised Dalits that they will be allowed in temples and would not be discriminated against. But when a young Dalit woman, Babli accompanied by Dinesh from Kanauta and Tarachand from Singota tried to enter Mahasu temple in Lakhsyar, they were pushed away. When Babli spoke about the panchayat decision, Maali Digpal Singh Tomar attacked her with a sharp weapon and Maali Shurvir Singh attacked her with kicks and punches. Similarly, Dinesh and Tarachand were attacked. Dalits present on the site admitted the injured in Vikasnagar Government Hospital.

By 7 in the evening, victims were taken to the Kalsi Police Station and reported the incident to police along with medical reports. SO, Kalsi has assured investigation and arrest of concerned individuals. Dalits of the area are afraid about their safety.

The recent announcements in Jaunsar by temple samitis, devmalis and political leaders that doors of all temples are open for all seem to be hollow after the Lakhsyar incident.

The spate of attacks on minority communities including dalits proves that the age old exploitative caste system is still prevalent even in 21st century. As long as this oppresive caste system exists, any talk of development sounds hollow. Going by the tranquil environs and peace that is the identity of Uttarakhand, we demand that administration takes necessary steps to prevent incidents like this in the future. Education must be extended to all about the values of the constitution which enshrines equality above all.

VIMAL BHAI | JABAR SINGH | DHWAJVIR SINGH REKHA | DINESH SANGILA | GOVIND | MANOJ | SANJAY VERMA | KU. PRIYANKA | RAJESH VERMA | ROSHNI VERMA | VILLAGERS OF KANAUTA, SINGOTA AND BARAYA