MAKE DALITS AWARE OF THEIR RIGHTS

In his article (HT Spotlight, April 3), Sukhadeo Thorat says that conviction rates in cases filed under the SC/ST Act, are low due to wilful negligence by officials. Thorat has put the onus of low conviction rates on officials concerned. However, most cases filed under this act are used for blackmailing or are an outcome of vengeance. When the cases are taken up in courts, the complainant either retracts or is unable to provide ample proof to prove the charges. But to wholly blame officials dealing with the cases is unjustified. Moreover, many people belonging to the SC/ST community are not empowered enough, which results in their conviction. The SC/ST community needs to be made aware of their rights.

RL Bansal, Kurukshetra

II

With reference to ‘Nine die in Dalit protests’ (April 3), it is sad that thousands of people across the country have resorted to violence on the pretext of resisting the alleged ‘dilution’ of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. What’s worse is that political parties, rather than condemning it, are playing vote bank politics. Where was the need for the government to approach the Supreme Court for review when the highest court had already given its judgement? Does it not reflect disharmony between the two, giving an impetus to protesters? The government should create enough opportunities for the SC/ ST community so that they too can grow and prosper. We need to strengthen our weakest links as we are all equal. Colonel RD Singh (retd),

Ambala Cantt

III

The Dalit protests reflect failure of the government to properly handle protests. For selfish motives, bandh call by Dalit groups was supported by various political parties, defying the Supreme Court’s ruling. In March, Maharashtra’s farmers had carried out a peaceful protest. They walked 160km towards Mumbai without creating any problems for general public. We must learn from the farmers’ protest and ensure that no damage is done to public property. The cost of damage to property and life should be recovered from the defaulters. Subhash Vaid

IV

The Supreme Court should not hear the review petition regarding the SC/ST Act until all those responsible for arson and violence during the Bharat bandh have been booked. Those who gave the call for the bandh must be arrested and the cost of damaged property should be recovered from them.

IPS Anand, Gurgaon V

The way in which the Punjab government bowed down to the bandh call by closing education institutes and disabling public transport in advance is condemnable. For how long will we support such unlawful practices when people resort to violence, leading to casualties and damage to public property? Government should instead instruct the public that under all circumstances, business will go on as usual, and that the administration can deal with anti-social elements.

Ranvir Kaur, Mohali VI

It is shocking how nine people died during the protests by Dalit groups. While several Dalit MPs from the BJP had asked to government to file a review petition in the Supreme Court, it took the government ten days to take a decision. Other political parties had also pressed the government to take a decision immediately. However, the government failed to provide an assurance that a bill would be introduced in the favour of the SC/ST community. The Centre and state governments did not foresee such a huge protest.

Madan Lal, Barnala