Attacks on Dalits, minorities on rise throughout country: Tarigami

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: A day-long convention of Dalit Shoshan Mukti Munch Unit J&K was held here today, which was presided over by its State president Sewa Ram while CPI (M) leader, Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami, was chief guest on the occasion.
The convention deliberated upon various issues and problems confronting Dalits, minorities, reservations in promotions, reservations in private sector, special recruitment drives to fill backlog posts, ban on contract system, allotment of land to landless, free and equal education, reservation in armed forces, etc.
While addressing the convention, Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami said that there has been a spurt in atrocities against Dalits and minorities throughout the country. Instead of addressing the peoples’ issues, the Government policies had only deepened people’s misery and tried to divert their attention into issues aimed at sharpening communal polarization, he alleged.
“The NCRB data compiled confirms that the crimes against SCs and STs in BJP ruled States have increased manifolds. It is under the garb of cultural nationalism that Manusmriti is sought to be introduced,” he said and stressed the necessity of unity of all oppressed sections to resist cultural nationalism and caste system.
Referring to the anti-encroachment drive in Jammu area, Tarigami said that administration under the garb of anti-encroachment drive is targeting only the poor and downtrodden classes while leaving the big sharks untouched. “The drive against encroachments will have credibility only if it is applied uniformly and no particular group is targeted throughout the State. It is a welcome step but at the same time we demand that the administration should begin with the land sharks and then come to small holders,” he said and reiterated that there should be no unilateral or selective targeting of people.
Sewa Ram, in his address, said that high level unemployment has not been addressed seriously by the successive Governments thereby putting youth in a state of despair and worrisome. “Widespread under-employment of Dalits is also gaining momentum as highly qualified and skilful youth are doing low end and unskilled jobs,” he added.
Tarsem Khullar, president Ambedkar Sena, Bodh Raj Rao and Tara Chand Bhagat also addressed the gathering. Romesh Sarmal conducted proceeding of the stage.

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