Dalits stage protest in Belagavi

Dalit organisations in Belagavi joined the all India bandh against the Centre’s alleged dilution of the Prevention of Atrocities Act and the rising incidents of violence against the oppressed on Monday.

They blocked the road for a few minutes at the Rani Channamma Circle and burnt tyres. They shouted slogans against the NDA government. They demanded stricter laws to deter atrocities on Dalits and Adivasis.

In a memorandum submitted to the government through the DC office, they urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to appeal against a recent judgment of the Supreme Court that expressed doubts about the misuse of the Act against atrocities.

They also urged Mr. Modi to protect the interests of lakhs of government servants who would be losing their promotions due to a SC judgment in connection with a case from Karnataka.

Leaders including Mallesh Chougule, Gajanan Devarmani, Duregesh Metri, Kallappa Ramannanavar, and Sudhir were present.