Activists demand UN intervention over Una

Ahmedabad: The Una flogging incident has been taken to the United Nations (UN) by followers of Ambedkar in the US. They have sought the world body’s intervention to protest violation of human rights in Una where four dalit youths who were stripped of their shirts and brutally beaten for skinning a dead cow.
In a letter written to assistant secretary general for human rights in the UN, Andrew Gilmour, activists Raj Kamble, Raj Cherukonda, D B Sagar and Mahendra Kumar-all belong to Ambedkarite organizations – have demanded stern action against the forward caste oppressors of dalits. They have demanded that the UN make a public statement on their concern.
“In Una, Gujarat and in other provinces of India, the dalit community involved in traditional jobs are targeted by the dominant caste groups under the guise of cow protection and Hindu nationalism. Owing to the growing consciousness among dalits about their human rights, the dominant caste groups are finding new ways to terrorize the dalits by methods such as public flogging, individually targeting families and even worse forms of human torture,” says the letter written to the UN.
After giving details and the background of the incident, the activists have demanded a fair investigation and prosecute government and police officials responsible for abetting the criminal act.
Meanwhile, the ‘Dalit Asmita Yatra’ spearheaded by dalit rights activist Jignesh Mevani has continued to garner worldwide support. Ambedkar followers in the US, Germany, Canada and Australia have held protests against the Una atrocity.
US-based activist, Mahesh Wasnik, told TOI that activists will also demand a special session in the UN to discuss atrocities on dalits in Una and other towns of India.
Four Ambedkar activists including Milind Awsarmol, Sanjay Bhagat and Thenmozhi Soundararajan held a protest at Boston City in the US. The group is likely to organise a protest at 17 different places in the US on August 14.

Source: The Times of India