SRINAGAR: A report released by Kashmir Media Service has shed light on the systematic marginalization and discrimination faced by Dalits, also known as the ‘Untouchables,’ in India under the rule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
While Dalits have historically suffered as victims of the Hindu caste system, the report reveals that incidents of violence against them at the hands of upper caste Hindus have notably escalated since Modi assumed office.
Dalits live in constant fear of public humiliation and physical assaults carried out with impunity by upper caste Hindus seeking to maintain their perceived social hierarchy. Even simply walking through an upper-caste neighborhood can be a life-threatening offense for a Dalit in the self-proclaimed democratic republic of India.
The report highlights a recent incident in which a young Dalit man, Jitendra Parmar, and several members of his community were brutally attacked by upper caste Thokar community members for what seemed to be an innocuous act—entering a garba (folk dance) venue in their village, Mahakali Chowk, Gujarat. The attackers subjected them to caste-based slurs and physical violence solely because they had dared to enter the garba venue.
Dalits in India face severe restrictions, including being denied access to wells and temples used by upper caste Hindus. They are often relegated to the lowest-paying jobs and endure various forms of caste discrimination and brutal violence. The report emphasizes the particularly dire situation for Dalit women, who are frequently subjected to the indignities of being paraded naked, beaten, and subjected to sexual violence by upper caste Hindus.
The report urgently calls on human rights activists and organizations to come forward and take action to protect Dalits from persecution by upper caste Hindus. It underscores the pressing need for intervention and advocacy to address these egregious violations of human rights and discrimination based on caste in India.
