October 30, 2007

Dr. Udit Raj, Chairman, All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations & National President, Indian Justice Party and Dr. Joseph D'souza, President, All Indian Christian Council welcomes the historic Statement of Conscience Concerning Dalits which has been made in conjunction with Dalit Freedom Network, on the issues of widespread caste discrimination, economic depravity, atrocities and religious persecution by Hindutva zealots against Dalits. It has been urged in the Statement that the U.S. Government and the Government of India
should initiate steps to end discrimination and atrocities against Dalits. Despite sixty years of Independence, there is no let up in the persecution of Dalits and they continue to live in abject poverty and are socially ostracized.

Dr. Udit Raj said that women in general are discriminated in Indian society but there is double discrimination against Dalit women. The economic condition of Dalits is deplorable. Half of India's Dalit children are malnourished and severely underweight. Starvation and disease claim about 12% of Dalit children before their fifth birthday. Out of a total of about 40 million child labourers in India, roughly 15 million Dalit children are working as bonded labourers. Dr. Udit Raj further said that discrimination against Dalits is distinctly visible in Government schools where Dalits are segregated inside the classroom.

Dr. D'souza said that religious intolerance on the part of Hindutva fanatics is also rampant particularly in Gujarat. The 2002 Gujarat massacre against Dalits who converted to Islam is well known. Eight States in India have brought about anti-conversion legislation targeting essentially Dalits who choose to quit Hinduism in order to get rid of caste discrimination

Dr. Udit Raj welcomed a resolution passed by the National Association of Evangelicals of America urging the American Government to take up with the Government of India to adhere to the values of democracy, human values and the rule of law so far as Dalits are concerned and raising these issues at diplomatic levels.

Dr. Udit Raj and Dr. D'souza also eulogized the recommendation of the National Association of Evangelicals of America urging the US Government to ensure that US Aid to India and other South Asian nations reaches Dalits.