GOVT CRUSHING DALITS: RAHUL
Cong VP blames Modi govt for rising communal tension
“Dalits are being crushed not only in Saharanpur but all over the country and the BJP-led Centre is responsible,” Gandhi said.
SAHARANPUR: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday attempted to visit the violencehit Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, but was prevented from entering the town by the district administration.
Gandhi, who interacted with the people affected by the clashes at the district border, blamed the Prime Minister Narendra Modiled Union government for rising communal tension.
Recent clashes between Dalit and Thakur communities have left three people dead and scores injured in this west UP city.
“Dalits are being crushed not only in Saharanpur but all over the country and the BJP-led Centre is responsible,” he said.
Gandhi met two Dalit brothers Badal and Sawan, whose hut was attacked in May 9 violence, and sought to assure there would be a fair probe into the incident. The Dalit families had come all the way from Shabbirpur, the epicentre of the current caste clashes.
Gandhi also blamed Modi and the ruling BJP for stoking “antinational” forces and unrest in Kashmir. “Whenever Kashmir is peaceful, India is happy. When Kashmir is restive, Pakistan is happy,” he said.
District magistrate Pramod Singh, who denied the permission, said political leaders would be allowed to visit the affected areas only after normalcy returns.
“I wanted to go to Saharanpur but was told law and order could deteriorate. I have been assured that when the situation normalizes, I will be allowed to visit them,” said Gandhi, who was accompanied by senior party leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Raj Babbar and PL Punia.
Since Saturday afternoon, a posse of policemen in riot-gear, senior government and police officials assisted by contingents of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and PAC guarded the Sarsawa check post — Saharanpur’s border with Haryana — to stop Gandhi reach Shabbirpur village — the epicentre of violence, around 30 kilometre away.