Other States - Rajasthan

Dalit activists prevented from entering village

Special Correspondent

JAIPUR: Dalit activists were prevented from entering Bedkalan village in Pali district of Rajasthan on Wednesday, the eve of the first death anniversary of Mohan Meghwal, who was tortured to death allegedly by caste Hindus in the area. The activist group, led by P.L. Mimroth, chairperson of the Centre for Dalit Rights, later paid their homage to the portrait of the deceased, brought in a procession, at Prithvipura on the highway itself.

Mr.Mimroth on the occasion appealed to the administration to diffuse the prevailing tension in the area by ensuring justice to the victim of the brutality. A statement from CDR said the Dalit leaders, who included M.P. Chaudhary and Promila had gone to Pali to pay homage and join the social customs on the eve of the anniversary. They were detained by the local administration for one-hour from 9 AM.

However, a public meeting could be organised at Jaitaran town to pay homage to the late Dalit rights defender. The meeting was addressed by Mr.Mimroth, Mr.Chaudhary, Dalip Chaudhary, Laxman Bagram, Kalu Ram Sonal, Ganpat Mehra, Kamla Bugalia, Sohanlal Singaria and others. A rally was taken out on the main thoroughfares of Jaitaran at the end of the meeting.

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