Don’t play politics with Dalits, say scholars

Deepkamal Kaur

Jalandhar: Dalit scholars across Punjab are seriously concerned over the current tension and clashes in the region. They say the Dalit agitations in the past had been more to do with socio-economic factors which were resolvable. “These issues involved landlords and poor peasants over debts and social oppression. But the recent disputes are being played up with crass political motives,” says prominent Dalit writer Des Raj Kali.

“I sometimes feel that we in Doaba are sitting on a tinderbox ready to explode anytime,” says Kali. “I feel that these disputes are meant to divert people’s attention.” A veteran Dalit leader from the region, Dr Ram Lal Jassi, differs. “The sparks of protests indicate that the Dalits are now educated and awakened for their rights. I really feel upset with those who have not allowed renaming a roundabout as Samvidhan Chowk. Does the Constitution only belong to the Dalits and not the general caste? Are the provisions and fundamental rights cited in the Constitution only meant for the SCs?”

Jassi believes that such incidents are not limited to Doaba. “We have seen what happened during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to London. The Dalit Diaspora wanted to meet him and raise certain issues, but they did not get a chance. Such incidents lead to unrest among Dalits elsewhere too,” he said.

Professor Kiranpreet Kaur of the Department of Sociology, Panjab University, says not much should be deduced from “stray violence.” “I think Punjab is much more peaceful than other states. Some stray incidents over caste issues keep happening, but their nature and causes are more political than social.”

Kali says: “We first need to put an end to the highhandedness of the senas — both Shiv Sena and Ambedkar Sena. By providing them security and licensed arms, the police have changed their mindset. This must end, and everything will fall in place.”  

He says Dalit leaders too should stop using Dr BR Ambedkar for caste politics. “He belongs to all. His efforts helped everyone in getting voting rights. The Dalit leaders must immediately stop using him for vote politics.”