‘India Will Become Next Syria,’ Says Ambedkar on Dalit Protests

Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh leader Prakash Ambedkar on Monday, 2 April, said the Supreme Court and the Centre were responsible for the violence in various states during the nationwide bandh called by Dalit outfits.

At least nine persons were killed and many injured in violence as Dalit protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to vehicles across several states during the bandh against the dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Government and the Supreme Court are responsible for this violence. The government is creating an unsafe atmosphere for Dalit communities while the apex court’s recent order diluting the SC/ST Atrocities Act has forced the community to take to the streets.

Prakash Ambedkar

He said the government failed to act in time to avoid the spiral into violence.

"I do not know who gave the call for the bandh. It was given on social media a few days back, however, the government did not take this call seriously," said the Dalit leader who had spearheaded protests in Maharashtra in the wake of the caste clashes that broke out on 1 January in Koregaon Bhima in Pune district.

The apex court, on 20 March, diluted certain provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, in a bid to protect “honest” public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act.

The verdict is being widely criticised by Dalits and the Opposition, who claim that the dilution of the Act will lead to more discrimination and crimes against the backward community.

Ambedkar also attacked the Centre over recent incidents of communal violence in West Bengal and Bihar.

"The ruling party (BJP) does not want a democratic government but it is in the favour of a religious government,” Ambedkar said.

For this very reason, the government is not taking any action against those involved in religious violence. If such violence in the name of religion continues in the country, India will become the next Syria,” he said.

He also criticised Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat for his recent statement that the Sangh did not believe in excluding anyone from the process of nation building.

“It (RSS) is an organisation of liars which is dividing voters," he said.