In a powerful demonstration of resistance, 33 Dalit residents from Gitapur village in Ahmedabad district have launched a fast-unto-death protest outside the local mamlatdar’s office. Their demands include swift action against recent attacks on their community, enforcement of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and immediate police protection. Additionally, they are calling for the withdrawal of baseless cases filed against Dalits and an end to the systemic discrimination they face daily.
The protestors, comprising 16 men, 17 women, and 8 children, have highlighted the severe injustices they endure. In Detroj-Rampura taluka, where their village is located, Dalits are denied access to basic necessities such as water, foodgrains, and milk. They also lack proper housing, despite government promises, forcing them to live in homes without electricity or water connections. Despite repeatedly voicing their grievances to authorities, their pleas have been consistently ignored.
Dalit rights advocate and newly elected legislator Jignesh Mevani, along with members of his organization, Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch, visited the protestors on Thursday night to express solidarity. Kaushik Parmar, co-convenor of the Manch, criticized the government’s inaction, stating, “This is the so-called Gujarat model, where Dalits must walk 1.5 kilometers for water and fight for residential plots. They are Indian citizens—why is the government silent on this issue?”
Parmar further emphasized the disparity in land allocation, noting that while other communities receive plots, Dalits are systematically excluded. “Government officials are denying Dalits their rightful land, perpetuating injustice. It’s the third day of the fast, and still, there’s no response from the authorities,” he added.
This protest sheds light on the ongoing struggles of Dalits in Gujarat, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and equality. The community’s resilience in the face of adversity serves as a stark reminder of the work still needed to achieve social justice.