Nagpur: Upset by the increasing incidents of atrocities against Dalits, Rajya Sabha Member Ramdas Athawale has demanded the Government permission for self-protection. Athawale said that in recent days atrocities on Dalits have witnessed an increasing trend and the Haryana incident has left the nation stunned.
“The upward figures of atrocities show that the Government is doing nothing worthwhile to curb the crime. In this disturbing situation it would be better for the Government to arm Dalits with self-protection rights. If Dalits possessed weapons nobody would dare to harm them. I will soon meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in this respect and submit a memorandum. And if the need arises, the issue will be raised in Parliament,” said the MP Ramdas Athawale while speaking to media on Friday.
The Rajya Sabha Member further said that the atrocities being committed against Dalits were witnessed during every Government notwithstanding which party or parties ruled. The truth is every successive Government and administration has failed to curb the incidents. He demanded appointment of Dalit Superintendent of Police additionally in sensitive districts and also advocated creating awareness on harmonious relations between upper caste and Dalit samaj.
Statement unexpected from a person like V K Singh:
Ramdas Athawale strongly condemned the statement of Union Minister V K Singh on Faridabad incident. The statement was unexpected from a person of V K Singh’s stature. He should not issue statements that hurt the sentiments of people, said Athawale.
Shiv Sena, BJP should stop fighting:
Commenting on the bitter war of words between Shiv Sena and BJP, Athawale said that both parties should bury the differences and work for development of the State. The alliance between the two warring parties is political necessity even though Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray has described Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis an understanding leader. It would be wrong on the part of BJP it seeks support from NCP. Instead, NCP President Sharad Pawar should support Government on his own, advised Athawale.
