Una victims seek to convert to Buddhism

DH News Service, Ahmedabad, Mar 20 2018, 23:27 IST
In July 2016, four young men from the Sarvaiya family of Mota Samadhiyala village of Gir Somnath district, were beaten mercilessly and paraded half-naked through the streets of Una by self-styled cow vigilantes, who spotted them skinning a cow that had apparently died a natural death.

In July 2016, four young men from the Sarvaiya family of Mota Samadhiyala village of Gir Somnath district, were beaten mercilessly and paraded half-naked through the streets of Una by self-styled cow vigilantes, who spotted them skinning a cow that had apparently died a natural death.

The Dalit family that was victim of public flogging by self-styled cow protection group in Una district of Gujarat state has now submitted a memorandum to district collector seeking permission to embrace Buddhism.

"We have today submitted a memorandum to district collector in Veraval informing him that about 20-25 family members will convert to Buddhism on April 29," Balubhai Sarvaiya, head of the family told DH. "We are Hindus but they do not consider us Hindus and that is why they have committed atrocities on us."

In July 2016, four young men from the Sarvaiya family of Mota Samadhiyala village of Gir Somnath district, were beaten mercilessly and paraded half-naked through the streets of Una by self-styled cow vigilantes, who spotted them skinning a cow that had apparently died a natural death. Their beating resulted in widespread protests across several parts of the country.

Now, other than Sarvaiya family, several other Dalits too are expected to convert to Buddhism on the same day. These include, father of one of the three victims of police firing on Dalits at Thangadh in 2012. Though the enquiry in this incident is complete, the state government is yet to make it public or place it before the Assembly.

Unkept promise

Interestingly, the news of Sarvaiya family seeking to convert comes amidst Chief Minister Vijay Rupani government claiming ignorance about predecessor Anandiben Patel making any promise of providing 5 acres land or a government job to a family member during her visit to the village on July 20, 2016.

"When she came to meet us at our home, she promised houses for weaker sections in the village, quality roads and jobs as per qualifications. Nothing happened since. No one has got a job," Balubhai said. She had even said that their cases would be disposed of by a special court within 90 days. They are still fighting the case for last two years.

The government pleaded ignorance in a written reply to a question raised by Dalit youth leader Jignesh Mevani in the Assembly.