The incident at UNA in Gujarat, where Dalit youths were paraded and flogged for allegedly killing a cow, led to a nation-wide outrage after its video went viral. Seven persons, including two women, from the Dalit community tried to commit suicide as the protest continued against the on-going agitation. The number was increased to thirty more incidents demanding speedy justice for the Dalit boys.
The victims’ contention was that they were skinning a dead cow and had not killed it.¬†
The political leaders have got the right opportunity to prove their existence. Lalu Prasad Yadav hits out at PM Modi for his silence on Dalit atrocities saying “who created these Gau Rakshaks? Why doesn’t the government ban them? What is this tamasha? We talk about Taliban but our caste system has a Taliban-like attitude. We need to discuss that.” I would like to say- Sir, first open your mouth on Chara Ghotala¬†and then ask others for the reason of their silence on certain issues.
Political parties, especially Congress and its off-shoot jing bangs, have been making Dalits feel as if they are “untouchables” by always showing “pseudo concern.” They blow every small incident out of proportion which projects Dalits as weak, at risk and unsecured from other castes.
Dalit is a sub-sect of Hindus. Therefore, the classification of upper and lower caste is stupid. It is time for the media and politicians to give Dalits the assurance that they are like any other community. They should guide them to improve their economic status by utilizing reservations and privileges. Once their economic status improves, their status in the society will surely improve too.
