SC/ST parliamentarians forum meets to discuss atrocities against Dalits

NEW DELHI: The forum of SC/ST parliamentarians has called a meeting of its 160 MPs next Wednesday to discuss the recent atrocities against the Dalit community. On top of the agenda is asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to unequivocally condemn atrocities against Dalits apart from evaluating the 'extraordinary situation' prevailing in the country. The forum also plans to give a call to Dalits to immediately stop scavenging, clearing animal carcasses and skinning them.

Dalits in Gujarat have already stopped taking away animal carcasses for skinning in protest against the violence meted out to four Dalits by 'gau rakshaks' for skinning a dead cow in Una. The anger spilled onto the streets when Dalits dumped cow carcasses next to the district magistrate's office in Surendranagar.

The forum of MPs felt that it was time for the PM to step in to assure the Dalit community. BSP leader Mayawati who was recently abused verbally by BJP's Dayashankar Singh had also highlighted the PM's silence on the issue even as she appreciated the party's decision to expel Singh for his derogatory remarks.

"The forum is deeply concerned about the atrocities being perpetrated against Dalits. It is felt that the PM must very categorically say that the country will not allow Dalits to be subjected to any such atrocity and discrimination. A serious intervention by the PM will send a strong message. This is an all-party forum. We see the government as the country's and the PM as the top leader. He must give confidence that the legitimate interest of Adivasis and Tribals will be protected. The message will be most-effective if it comes from the PM," forum secretary general Jesudasu Seelam told ET. "We will also show complete solidarity with the Dalits of Gujarat. It is on agenda to give a call to all Dalits engaged in menial work to boycott completely clearing of animal carcasses, skinning them or manual scavenging. We will ask them to instead take up agricultural work or work under NREGA," Seelam added.

While the recent controversy around the derogatory references made against Mayawati will not be specifically taken up, discrimination against Dalits across all walks of life will be discussed at the meeting.