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Dalit activists resent police action

JAIPUR: Dalit activists in Rajasthan have taken strong exception to the tendency of the police to compel the Dalit victims of higher caste atrocities to reach a compromise or change their statements to enable the prosecution to submit a final report in the court for closure of cases, despite the absolute lack of any such provision in the law.

Representatives of Dalit groups participating in an orientation workshop at Shahpura in Bhilwara district over the weekend accused the State police of being “completely insensitive” to the crimes against Dalits and charged that they had neither any understanding nor any willingness to implement the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The two-day workshop was organised by the Centre for Dalit Rights (CDR) and Raigar Navyuvak Mandal to enhance the capacity of young Dalit activists to work for welfare of Dalit communities and protect Dalits’ rights by demanding legal protection. The need for making common cause with other subjugated communities, such as Muslims, was also underlined on the occasion.

CDR chairperson and Supreme Court lawyer P. L. Mimroth pointed out that though Bhilwara was one of the districts reporting the highest rate of crimes against Dalit, the Administration had failed to initiate any drive to prevent atrocities. He warned that resentment among Dalits was mounting in the wake of denial of equal opportunities, insult to religious beliefs and grabbing of their land by manipulations.

CDR Director Satish Kumar said the Dalit activists should record each incident of offence against Dalits by constant monitoring and through fact-finding assignments. “Such an exercise will act as a check on police pressurising Dalit complainants to reach a compromise or let off the criminals,” he said.

The speakers threw light on the provisions in legislations such as the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and SC/ST Act, 1989, as well as the rules framed under them to emphasise that it was the government’s duty to abolish untouchability, take action against the erring public servants, appoint special public prosecutors and undertake monitoring and vigilance to protect Dalits.

“Both the statutes have been enacted on the salutary principle of social justice,” said Mr. Kumar. Programme convenor M.P. Chaudhary said the Tehsildar concerned should be immediately approached on the encroachment of land belonging to Dalits for initiation of proceedings for its restoration.

Ramdayal Bairwa from Dausa said Dalit activists should pay special attention to follow-up of all cases by learning about all relevant facts in the First Information Report and monitoring the action of investigating officers. On any deviation, the higher police and administrative officers should be immediately informed.

Abid Mohammed Khan from Bhilwara said most of the Muslims and Christians in the State were converts from Dalits and backward classes and faced the same discrimination, prejudice and atrocities to which the Dalits were subjected. He said all backward communities should unite to confront the anti-social elements among higher castes. Dalit Adivasi Abhiyan convenor Bhanwar Meghvanshi said the leadership of the movement for Dalits’ empowerment should be handed over to the youth for providing it a right direction. He said Dalits should also claim their legitimate right on natural resources to get equitable share.

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