The Una Atrocity and increasing attacks on Dalits in Gujarat found a huge echo of solidarity and support in Mumbai on Friday, August 12.
The 'Atmsamman rally' organised by Dalit Groups showing a rare unity between the Meghwal community and others witnessed a huge turnout of Dalits under the leadershop og Prkash Ambedkar and some scarce Muslim groups from Maharashtra and Gujarat at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Friday. The rally was organised to protest the Una incident of Gujarat and other cases of Dalit atrocities in India. The leaders among them called for unity of all Dalits, Muslims and tribals of India to take on the central government. Senior leader of the Republican Party of India (RPI)Prakash Ambedkar urged all downtrodden groups to unite to fight against those who are trying to suppress their voice and denying them their rights. The rally was attended by several trade unions too.
Activist Teesta Setalwad said, "Dalits are being attacked across India in the name of cow vigilantism. Instead of taking action against such anti-social and criminal elements, Modi government is just doing lip service and coining jumlas." She added that this rally was to oppose the growing 'cow Talibanism' in India. "Dalits are at the bottom of our socioeconomic structure. Muslims are just above them. Hence, both are being attacked by upper caste people at the behest of the RSS," she added.
The leaders also said that Dalits were skinning cows and clearing the garbage, for which the society must be thankful to them. However, Dalits are being attacked and killed over false cases.
Some speakers also ridiculed prime minister Narendra Modi's statement "Don't shoot Dalits, shoot me" and termed it as jumla. "If he is serious, he must take action against the culprits," said activists from Gujarat.