Dalit Uprising Underway In Gujarat Even As Prime Minister Remains Silent Over Violence Related To Cow

Dalit uprising
A social uprising is underway in Gujarat in the backdrop of the brutal and inhuman beating of 4 Dalits at Una, Gujarat. The incident happened on July 12 when cow protection groups tied up and beat 4 Dalits for skinning a dead cow. The video of the same was shared widely enraging large parts of our society. The silence of the Prime Minister and other important leaders has also added fodder to the fire.

---

Rally and pledge

Various Dalit groups have rallied under the banner of Una Dalit Atyachar Ladat Samiti or the Una Dalit Fight Against Atrocities Committee. A young lawyer Jignesh Mevani is the convener of the movement. From the people who spoke at the rally, Dalits looked visibly upset over the treatment meted out to the community by the privileged. They have also taken a pledge to not lift any dead carcasses.

---

Could shake up politics
The reverberations have already been felt across India. Chief Minister Anandiben Patel seems to be the first scalp over the Dalit uprising. She has tendered her resignation, though, she has not cited the Dalit protest as a reason for the same. Former IPS officer is leading the yatra which will culminate at Una on August 15th, on Independence day.

---

Silence of the Prime Minister
The silence from the Prime minister over the issue has been very worrisome. Prime Minister Modi who has not left any stone unturned to communicate with people, be it through social media or radio or television, has surprisingly not uttered a word on the atrocities against Dalits nor has he condemned the violence against Dalits and more importantly, he has not shown remorse or solidarity with the community and their plight.

---

The Logical Indian stands with the oppressed and the victims of violence, we seek justice for the Dalits who have been dealt with inhuman treatment by vigilantes who are ostensibly associated with the ruling dispensation. We appeal to the central government to issue a statement that will reassure the Dalit community.