Dalits in the state gathered in huge numbers at Acher ground in Sabarmati area of the city on Sunday in protest againt the Una Dalit torture incident and pledged unitedly not to lift animal carcasses and cleaning the sewers of the cities by entering into the manholes, chores they were doing since a long time.

In the protest organized by the Una Dalit Atyachar Ladat Samiti (UDALS) called as Dalit Mahasammlan, huge gatherings of Dalits roared ‘Jai Bhim’ in united voice. They were supported by Muslim organizations such as Jamiat Ulema-I-Hind.

Chief of UDALS, Jignesh Mevani said , “In model Gujarat, over 15,500 cases of atrocities were lodged and Dalits kicked out from 55 villages. Why is PM Narendra Modi silent on these atrocities. Why has he not come to share our pains.”

Mevani added, “Gujarat Dalits’ revolutionary decision to shun menial work will change the state of their brethren across India.”

By expressing his lack of faith in Gujarat Police said, Mevani said, “The Crime Investigation Department (CID) investigating Una brutalities had investigated killing of four Dalits in Thangadh. No justice was done. CID submits its report to DGP who himself is an accused in Ishrat Jahan encounter.”

A relative of Una victims, Jeetu Sarvaiya said, “Our family’s pain has become a source of happiness as it has galvanized the Dalit community for an uprising.”

“My head hangs in shame over Una atrocities. This is a fallout of divisive politics. I propose a footmarch from Ahmedabad to Una from August 5. Let’s hoist tri-color on August 15 at Una for freedom from social oppression,” said Former IPS officer Rahul Sharma, who had also criticized the role of the Modi government in Gujarat during 2002 riots.

A city-based lawyer Shamshad Pathan said, “Since years, Muslims and Dalits have been tortured by gaurakshaks. The movement should continue till businesses run in the garb of cow protection are not banned.”

Also Read: Gujarat On Fire After Protests Erupted Over Thrashing Of Dalit Men For Cow Skinning

By Prajakt K