Dalit Leaders Demand End to Untouchability in Siraha

Siraha. Dalit leaders have said that evil practices like untouchability must end in practice. Participants in the 'Problems Faced by Madhesi Dalit Community and the Role of Stakeholders for Solution' inter-dialogue program organized by the Dalit Development Forum in Golbazar said that even though the country was declared an untouchability-free nation by law 21 years ago, Dalits have to suffer its pain daily, and therefore untouchability must end in practice.

They emphasized the need for proper implementation of laws that are limited to paper. They stated that although the government makes laws, victims are always deprived of justice due to economic, social, and political pressure and influence.

Many times, the system has changed in the country, governments have changed, but Dalits still face discrimination due to caste. They said this situation cannot continue for many more days. 'Dalits can no longer remain just a ladder for power and regime change forever. We will unite and strive for our rights,' said Dalit leaders.  

We have faced discrimination in temples, wells, and taps; now our children are facing discrimination in schools, said Saroj Saday. He said, 'I was not allowed to draw water from the well of my own will, others offered Prasad in the temple for me. I have been enduring caste discrimination. But now, our children are facing discrimination in schools, and the patience to remain silent is over.'

He narrated the discrimination faced by Dalit children in a primary school in Aurahi 4 of Siraha and said that such teachers should be punished. He said that it has become necessary for Dalits to educate themselves, organize, and raise the torch of their liberation.

Savitra Mahara of Sukhipur said that we face discrimination due to caste. She said that this is not a scientific reason but a form of caste division created by certain ethnic communities to maintain their power, and now all communities must understand this and end discrimination like untouchability.

The chief guest of the program, former minister of Madhes Province, Suresh Kumar Mandal, said that untouchability based on caste is a hindrance to social development. He said that until this problem is eradicated from society, society cannot move forward in the pace of development.

He said that all communities must unite to end evil practices like dowry, death feasts, and caste-based untouchability from Madhesi society. He also pointed out the need for proper implementation of existing laws and social awareness.

Former MP Asharphi Sada, Chairman of Bishnupur Rural Municipality Satyanarayan Yadav, Deputy Mayor of Karjhana Municipality Lakshmi Shrestha, Dalit leaders Shivkumar Mahara, Umesh Baral, among others, emphasized the need to work socially, politically, and administratively to eradicate evil practices like untouchability from the root.