Dalits demand action against BJP leader for making ‘casteist’ remark

COMMUNITY MEMBERS SAY THEY WILL HOLD A PROTEST AGAINST THE POLICE IF THEY FAIL TO REGISTER A CASE AGAINST THE LEADER.

PHAGWARA: Members of the Dalit community on Thursday demanded the registration of a case against BJP leader Inderjit Khalyan for allegedly making a ‘casteist’ remark against them while addressing protesters here on Wednesday.

Community members held a meeting and later submitted a memorandum to the senior superintendent of police (SSP) demanding immediate action.

They alleged that while addressing a protest rally organised to protest against the naming of the ‘Gol Chowk’ as ‘Sambhidan Chowk’ by the General Samaj Manch in the town on Wednesday, the leader deliberately made the ‘casteist remark’ to hurt their sentiments and instigate the community.

They said that if the police fail to register a case against him and others, they will hold a protest against the police.

Meanwhile, the situation remained peaceful in the town on Thursday and most shops and education institutes remained open.

ADMN FAILS TO HOLD PEACE MEETING

The administration failed to organise a peace committee meeting with representatives of Dalits and the General Samaj Manch on Thursday.

A meeting of the committee was called by ADC Babita Kaler. Mmembers of the peace committee, including NGO workers, leaders of various political parties besides Dalits and the General community people were invited for the meeting at the municipal corporation hall.

When members of both groups gathered in the hall, many did not get a chair to sit as the hall was not big enough to accommodate all those invited to the meeting.

"Annoyed at this, members of the General Samaj Manch came out from the hall in protest. Later, members of the Dalit community also boycotted the meeting due to ‘mismanagement’ by the administration," said a cop present on the spot.

Meanwhile, ADC Kaler said that the meeting has been postponed and will be held soon to ensure peace in the city.