Dalit atrocities: Advani passes buck to states

Members of Opposition parties, normally vocal on the rights of the states, today pleaded for a Central intervention to protect Dalits agains...

Members of Opposition parties, normally vocal on the rights of the states, today pleaded for a Central intervention to protect Dalits against atrocities. Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, on the other hand, contended that the Centre, even though concerned, had a limited role.

He maintained: ‘‘The primary responsibility is of the states. The Centre does not have the authority to act under the present Constitution. The Centre’s job is to advise states from time to time.’’

Lok Janshakti Party leader Ram Vilas Paswan, who was persistent with his demand for stronger action against the accused in the Jhajjar case, remained unconvinced. ‘‘I have never seen India’s Home Minister as helpless as today. Please don’t say you are helpless.’’

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Advani said special cells have been set up in 17 states and a Union Territory to deal with the problem. A total of 37 special courts have also been constituted in 10 states. A dozen states — AP, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, MP, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, TN and UP — have identified the areas prone to atrocities against Dalits.

Regarding Jhajjar, he said the Haryana government had informed him that the trial of the accused was on, while a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each had been given to the next of kin of those killed.

When Basudeb Acharia of the CPI(M) and Paswan asked him not to go by what the Haryana government has said, Advani said he was bound by norms. He had to go by the state version, whether it was Haryana or West Bengal.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

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