Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jun 15: Members of Karnataka Dalith Sangarsha Samiti and Daitha Damanithara Horata Samithi together staged a protest at Ajjarkad near Martyrs memorial ground here on Saturday, June 15, an condemned the incident in Chamarajanagar where a priest ‘paraded’ a dalit man nude for allegedly ‘polluting’ a temple by entering it.
G Rajshekhar addressing the protestors said, “I came to know about this incident two days before it came to media. It is a serious incident. The temple priest alleged that Pratap was trying to damage the temple's property and registered wrong complaint against him. If he is really a mentally challenged, how could he write KPSC exam, how can he ride bike or moreover he was optimistic over his future.
“In India, a suspected naxal will get punishment but not a hindutwavadi, who treats other castes in a bad manner,” said G Rajshekhar.
Another Dalit leader Shekhar Hejamady said, “Dalits must be careful before coming to street. There is need to think where India is heading to? The life of dalits has become worse. Now where is saffron and secular government gone? They have failed to clear caste system in society.”
William Martis, minority leader said, 'Dr B R Ambedkar is another Jesus Christ for me. He alone drafted Constitution for the wellbeing of others. It is the greatest Constitution. Unfortunately, backward class, minorities and dalits are not being respected. There is need to understand the reality and awaken,” said Martis.
Vishwanath Pethri and others were present.