Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Oct 18: “Priority of 'Udupi Chalo' convention is misplaced. Food has become the priority, where land, employment and empowerment had to take the first priority,” said Lolaksha, a social activist.

Addressing the media persons here at a press meet on Tuesday October 18, Lolaksha said, “‘Udupi Chalo’ was organized in Udupi a week ago where activist Jignesh Mevani had demanded that Udupi Math should stop the practice of ‘Pankti Bedha,’ and warned of a siege of the temple. In Karnataka state, food is not an issue for Dalits. Attacks on Dalits for food are very limited. The priority should have been about land, education, employment and empowerment of Dalits,”

“Pejawar Swamiji has given statement that he would sit on hunger strike and some of the so called Hindu Rakshaks have given statements that they would conduct cleanliness. The issue could have been solved mutually by holding discussions. But this way was not adopted by the Hindu outfits including the Swamiji. This clearly shows the hypocrisy of the so called outfits.” Lolaksha added.

“I urge both the sides; the Dalits organisations and leaders of Hindu outfits, not to mislead people and issue. Sense of hatred should not be created in the minds of Dalits. I feel that Hinduism is the most liberal religion, but due to some of the distorted minds terrorism will increase within the country.

“For me Pankti Bedha is not an issue. Make as many Panktis as you wish to, but it should not humiliate other sections. My only question to Pejawar Swamiji is that he is giving Vaishnava deekshe to the Dalits boys. Will these boys be qualified to sit with the orthodox Brahmins?” he questioned.

“My only fear is that my Dalit friends have posed a threat to infiltrate. It is not for us to infiltrate. The Dalit organization should pressurize the government to change this system since state has the right according to the article 25 (2) B of the constitution. With the issue of fake cow protectors, these anti-social elements have become powerful because of governments which have ruled us in the past 60 years, have failed to strengthen the constitutional bodies. Who brought the cow slaughter act of 1964? It was then Congress government but they have failed in implementing this act. Because of this these fake cow rakshaks have become powerful. This is the failure of the state government.” he continued.

“We need a harmonious society. So I urge both the sides not to divert the issue and to stick on to the main issues like land, education and empowerment of Dalits.” he concluded.