A Voice For the Voiceless

MISSION

The Advocacy Project seeks to help community-based advocates produce, disseminate and use information, and so become more effective advocates for human rights and social justice

E-Bulletin, Urgent Appeal

By Jagaran Media Center 
September 17, 2006

Doti tensed as Dalit entered temple, series of attacks by Hindu Extremists, 60 Dalit and five policemen injured

As per the understanding of last week in District Administration Office (DAO) of Doti district, between Seven Party Alliance, CPN (Maoists), Civil Society and Dalit, this morning in the direct supervision of DAO and District Police Office (DPO) of Doti, Dalit entered the local Saileswori Temple of Dipayal, Silgadhi. Just after they entered the temple, Hindu extremists protested with slogans against them. They also vandalized and attacked organization offices and people. As a result, almost 60 Dalit have been injured and two are in serious condition.

During the protest, the extremists also vandalized and set fire to the Educational Development Center and the Feminist Dalit Organization offices. They accused them of leading the movement. The same group also vandalized DAO of Doti. Five policemen, including DSP Moti Singh Dhami, were injured.

 The people living in Dipayal Silgadhi are also scared. The Dalit are leaving town and gathering in a safe place. We strongly appeal for their protection and to save their lives.

A declaration from the House of Representatives (HoR) was reinstated from the Peoples’ Movement 2006. It requires Nepal to be an untouchable-free country. Nepal's constitution has already defined caste-based discrimination as a crime, and a violation of national law.

On August 26, 2006, a priest from Shivalaya Temple located at Ward No. 1 of Dipayal Silgadhi municipality, misbehaved with Dalit women who were attending for worship on the occasion of Teej (a Hindu festival). They were not allowed in. A few days later, local non-Dalit protested against the Dalit in the market.  Local administrators did nothing when it happened.

As a result, the Dalit organized various programs at the local level. They also submitted a memorandum at DAO demanding action against the perpetrators and assurance that such discriminatory practices will not take place in future. A week later, a  DAO officer coordinated with all concerned parties and declared that Dalit are respectfully allowed to enter a temple . Those discrimination against them will be prosecuted.

In the days to come, to not repeat such incidents again,  the state must assure that Dalit will not be discriminated on the basis of their caste in any place. In the meantime, victims must be compensated.

(c) Jagaran Media Center (JMC), Anamnagar, P. O. Box: 19619 Kathmandu Nepal
E-mail: info@jagaranmedia.org.np Tel: + 977-1-4226655, Fax: +
977-1-4256780, www.jagaranmedia.org.np