Dalit Mukti Morcha, Chhattisgarh

Rally and Public Meeting

On 6th December 2004 at Motibagh, Raipur

Friends,

Jai Bhim!

It is an open truth that Dalits, one of the most oppressed and repressed strata anywhere in the history of world, are still reeling under the avaricious chains of casteism. In the Indian context social system based on caste has its deep felt impact not only on the socially but at large politically, economically, culturally, intellectually and psychologically. In world history India is the only nation with the longest history of oppression and suppressed on the basis of varna and caste. Sustained existence of caste system, despite indefatigable historical movements led by Lord Buddha, Saint Kabir, Saint Gurnanak, Guru Raidas, Guru Ghasidas, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Srinarayana Guru, Ayyankali, Dr. Ambedkar, E.V. Ramaswami Periyar, Nakul Dhidi and other stalwarts, is the biggest shame rather disgrace of the nation.


Isolation, exclusion, discrimination and other forms of caste oppression is still vibrant in its crude form leading to powerlessness, helplessness, resourcelessness and indignity of the already battered strata. Unfortunately, the Indian state has not made any serious attempt even after independence, which apparently stratifies the caste character of the State. The modest space generated through reservation is at stake and has been considered as an offering in the beggar’s bowl not as the right of Dalits. No doubt this is the historical fascism that Dalits have been faced with.


Globalisation has already brought in far-reaching changes, throwing to the winds, the earlier pretensions and legitimacy, of the state and the political system that controls the state. In the Indian context too this policy of breaking the community has worked. Apart from operating this primary objective it has succeeded in weaning away the people from all sorts of resources. Employment ratio is on a decline. All PSUs are either closed down or handed over to the corporate sector. Privatisation has become the buzzword of globalisation. Market has become the ‘god’ of the ruling elite. The prophets of globalisation, liberalisation and privatisation claims of creating new job opportunities, but what we have seen in the last one decade is entirely the opposite and a matter of deliberate concern. Clarion call of the capitalistic system has entangled Dalits and other hampered sections without much of options. Rich are becoming richer and poor are pushed beyond the margins.


The spirit built by Dr. Ambedkar while amending the Constitution, has not only tattered away but a much stronger appearance of casteism is being manifested. Even the little openings and space created through Mandal commission is at the verge of extinction. It is only a matter of time for the final rites. In the private sector when Dalits demand for reservation they are denied of their rights under the aegis of unfit and incompetent. This argument again is untrue and misleading that Dalits are unskilled and inefficient.


In Chhattisgarh this trend has outgrown. All possible mediums of eliminating Dalits and other subjugated communities like Adivasis and OBCs are growing on mass scale. Apart from the aforesaid means of discrimination, framing fraudulence cases against them and custodial deaths and casteous attacks on Dalits have outgrown. The recent incidents during the last one-year stratifies this stance. The police and administration do efficient and well-organised efforts to tarnish and thereby tainting these cases. When people raise voice against this it is conquered by untrustworthy and deceiving compromises, dismantling the evidences, bribing the witnesses, etc. are going on quite well.


Rather than addressing the elementary problems like landlessness, unemployment, powerlessness, education and health facilities of Dalits it is diversifying the attention to which there is utmost encouragement given by the present state. No actions to ensure any of these aspects have yet come into existence despite 57 years of independence. This status is the same in Chhattisgarh as in other states. It is depressing that hundreds of thousands of Dalits migrate out of state and get bonded every year. Recently the NHRC had categorically state that the police has been acting in a casteious manner in many states. Certainly Chhattisgarh won’t be left out of this.


On the other hand there are statements and claims from the government that they have been engaged for the betterment of the Dalits at large in the state. Many projects and programs are initiated with tremendous flow of fund. Yet Dalits are poor, powerless, resourcesless, and victimised by caste system.


There is a growing resent among Dalits in the state and the communities decided to stage a protest in order to resist these growing trends against Dalits on the death anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on 6th December. The demonstration march will start at 12 pm from Motibagh, which will be followed by a public meeting. All sensitive and concerned people working with organisations, institutions, Trade Unions, people’s organisations and individuals, doctors, advocates, intellectuals etc. may join the protest and thereby support the struggle for Dalit power, dignity and identity.


Anticipating your support and solidarity


Sincerely




Goldy M. George

(On behalf of Dalit Mukti Morcha)


Note: For further details please contact us on dalitstudycircle@yahoo.com or on +91-98933-57911