Dalit scholars make 9 demands, including Rs 5 cr relief, govt job for Rohith’s family

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Ashok Bharti, chairperson of the National Confederation of Dalit Organisations, said Vemula’s suicide has shook the nation and expressed hope that it becomes a turning point in the country’s history. “For the first time a large number of upper caste persons have come forward to support the Dalit cause,” he said.

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Former cabinet secretary and ex-chairperson of SC/ST commission P S Krishnan said that in Hyderabad, upper castes are also on the streets, noting that “kuch anhoni ho gayi (a misfortune has taken place)”.

The speakers insisted that if the anger among public after Vemula’s suicide is translated into positive action, it can bring a huge change in the mentality of people towards Dalits. Krishnan said: “The harassment of Dalits has been going on for centuries. Some people are afraid of the rise of Dalits. Such incidents (Vemula’s suicide) are a result of such fears. But Dalits are not anti-national. They have no other place to live except India.” He urged for the formation of an independent body in every university to address the grievances of Dalits.

Bharti cited government figures and said that from 1991-2014 over 13,750 Dalits have been murdered, 27,017 Dalit women raped as 6,74,619 cases of atrocities on Dalits were registered.