JAIPUR: Dalit groups in Rajasthan have resolved to reclaim the land rightfully belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the State. After cases of untouchability, maximum instances of Dalit atrocities in Rajasthan pertained to those related to land, charged the activists assembled here to discuss human rights issues.

The activists, brought together by the Centre for Dalit Rights (CDR) from various parts of Rajasthan, noted that cases of untouchability continue to dominate the list of cases filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. However, the land-related issues came second, with growing instances of dominant caste persons forcibly taking over land belonging to Dalits. Such cases are said to be maximum in Jodhpur district, against which the State Government had reportedly launched a drive in September last.

Figures for the past two-and-a-half years presented by CDR Chairperson P.L.Mimroth said land issues accounted for as many as 238 out of a total of 863 cases registered in Rajasthan during the period. Many Dalit activists had to leave their land and villages because they stood up and fought against the atrocities perpetrated on them by the dominant castes, he said.

"Rajasthan has maximum vacant land. Let us occupy that land and put up temporary sheds. Land ownership is the only way to break untouchability," said Paul Diwakar, convener of the National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights, addressing the gathering.

"Land struggles are crucial for Dalits. We have to lay our claim on the land," added Mr. Diwakar, who extolled the expertise of Dalits in crafts and farming.

"In India we are facing untouchability on a day-to-day basis. Every minute five atrocities are committed against Dalits in the country," Mr. Diwakar said pointing out that the situation of unotuchability had become worse than ever. "These are the worst of times as far as the caste-based discrimination in the country is concerned."

According to him, major areas of violation of human rights of Dalits in Rajasthan included: not allowing Dalit grooms to ride on horses in their marriage processions; Dalits not being permitted to sit on cots in villages; not being allowed to drink water from hand pumps or draw water from community tanks; and harassment of Dalit women at work.

The groups cited cases in which dominant caste people did not permit Dalit sarpanchas to speak at panchayat meetings and Dalit women sarpanchas not being allowed to enter the panchayat buildings. The Dalit functionaries of the panchayats are not allowed to unfurl the national flag on national days.

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