AMN /
Several Muslim organisations have expressed deep concern over growing intolerance against Dalits across the country. The suicide of Dalit PhD scholar Rohit Vemula of Hyderabad University has shocked the minority community too. Prominent Muislim body the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has expressed serious concern at the incidents of growing intolerance against Dalits in the country.
“We are deeply concerned at the growing hateful atmosphere against the Dalit community and caste-based polarisation in the country. This intolerance being shown to Dalits is highly condemnable,” said Salim Engineer, Secretary General of Jamaat.
“This is a serious and condemnable trend. As long as there is a sense of insecurity, inequality and discrimination among Dalits, weaker sections and minorities, the county will not progress,” said Jamaat leader.
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has said attempts to project Rohith Vemula — as an “anti-national” by citing his stance on Yakub Memon’s execution is the NDA government’s way of sending a message to anti-Hindutva forces.
He also claimed that casteist discrimination has been a “reality on the HCU campus for years”. “This is a case of pure hounding, a bogey that the NDA government has erected to paint Rohith as anti-national. They want to send a message to all anti-Hindutva and anti-ABVP forces. The proctoral report makes no mention of Yakub Memon.
Ambedkar Students’ Association (ASA) wanted to screen a documentary on Muzaffarnagar (riots) and the outfit clashed with ABVP when it opposed the screening. ASA had quoted Ambedkar against capital punishment. It is obnoxious that BJP is now projecting him as an anti-national to absolve themselves on the issue of discrimination against Dalits,” said Owaisi.
Meanwhile the protest started by Ambedkar Students Association, has prompted other student unions and groups to participate. The Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) has joined the protest as well.
“It is high time that MHRD took concrete steps against marginalisation of students and radicalisation of educational institutions across the country. As students, we want campuses to become a safe haven for healthy discussion and be a cradle of development for society. And such condemnable events are hurdles for these aspirations,” Hamza Shaikh of SIO Mumbai, said.