Protesters were furious that CM Yogi has not visited the affected families in the village even two weeks after the incident
Ghazanfar Abbas, IndiaTomorrow.net,
New Delhi, May 21: Attending the biggest Dalit demonstration in years near the Parliament House here on Sunday, several members of the community threatened to convert if victims of the Saharanpur caste violence did not get justice. They were angry at little action in the 5th May incident of Uttar Pradesh where dozens of Dalit homes were torched after death of an upper caste man.
While protesting at Jantar Mantar, thousands of Dalits denounced Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over steep rise in lawlessness in the state.
“The state government is not helping the victims of Saharanpur case. If the attitude of the government remains same then entire Dalit community shall convert to other religion,” a Dalit protester said while speaking to IndiaTomorow.net
“We appeal to the govt. to compensate the victims. If it does not do so, it will be considered as anti-Dalit. We are being oppressed within our own Hindu religion. We will run a tremendous movement in all states and change our religion,” he averred.
Protesters were furious that CM Yogi has not visited the affected families in the village even two weeks after the incident.
A protester said: “There is a drawback of Yogi government in this case. Yogi ji should have met the victim families to empathize with them and compensated them for some economic relief.”
Thousands of Dalits protest near Parliament House on 21 May, 2017 (Photo – IndiaTomorrow.net)
On 5th May, a clash erupted between Dalits and Thakur community in a village of Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh where a young man was killed and at least two dozen Dalit houses were torched in retaliation and several members of the community were injured.
According to media reports, violence erupted when a musical procession of the upper caste Thakur community celebrating the birth anniversary of Rajput king Maharana Pratap was passing through a Dalit-dominated village and some Dalits objected to the procession. This triggered first verbal clash which soon turned violent with people from both sides throwing stones and bricks at each other. Several people, including Police and fire brigade personnel were also wounded in the attack.
Today, while demonstrating their unity in the heart of the National Capital, thousands of Dalits demanded speedy justice in the case.
When IndiaTomorrow.net spoke to other Dalit protesters over the Saharanpur incidents and declining situation of law and order in the state, found that they see BJP’s promise – “Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas” as a betrayal when it comes to deliver justice to them.
“Modi government said – Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas, but on this major case neither Modi ji nor Yogi ji spoke a single word,” a Dalit protester furiously said.
“Modi ji did not speak on Una. Now, Yogi ji is not speaking on Saharanpur. Why? Aren’t Dalits Human? Are they garbage? Haven’t they voted in recent elections? How did Modi ji win 325 seats in UP?” he questioned.
Another protester said: “BJP government in center and in Uttar Pradesh had promised Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas, but nothing has occurred on the ground. Atrocities have been unleashed against Dalits with the support of governments.”
They were also unhappy with a section of media for not highlighting the Saharanpur case.
“Why are TV and print media not highlighting the Saharanpur violence and issues of Dalits? If they highlight our issues, we will win half battle,” a Dalit protester said.
Demanding compensation for the victims a Dalit from Gonda said: “We demand the government to compensate 15-15 lac to all the victims. All the members of Bhim Army who have been arrested in false cases should also be released. And the actual criminals should be arrested.”
