Dalit Land Issue Sparks All Party Unity At Round Table Meet

Andhra Pradesh: In a strong show of unity, leaders from multiple political parties and civil society organisations declared that the fight for Dalit land rights in old Kadapa will continue until justice is delivered. The announcement was made during a round table conference organised by the Dalit Tribal Rights Struggle Association, chaired by Madagalam Prasad.

• Leaders stand united for Dalit land rights

The movement received support from a broad spectrum of leaders, including RCP State Secretary Ravi Shankar Reddy, SC-ST Human Rights Forum District President JV Ramana, CPI (ML) Liberation District Secretary Bandela Obayya, Maharajyam Party Founder Sangati Manohar, retired Joint Director of the Industries Department Gopal, Muslim Federation State General Secretary Mohammed Zakir Hussain, RSF State President MD Obulesu, SDPI District President Jabir, National Coordinator for Constitutional Rights Protection Amin Peera, Muslim Rights Farm District Secretary Dastagiri, AP Vikalangula Seva Samiti State President Mahendra, and AAP Ki Awaaz State Secretary Maqbool Bhasha.

• Government accused of failing Dalits

The leaders accused officials of negligence in resolving the land issue, stating that the land allotted to Dalits by the government had been wrongfully taken over by upper castes. Despite appeals from village-level officers to top revenue officials, there has been no response, they said.

• Mass siege planned on July 14

Leaders announced that a large-scale siege of the RDO office will take place on Monday, July 14, mobilising people from various parties and organisations. They warned that if no action is taken after the siege, Dalits will begin cultivating their rightful lands.

• Officials to be Held accountable for any conflict

They asserted that if Dalits face resistance or conflict while reclaiming their lands, officials and police would be held fully responsible.

• Relay fast continues on day 25

Those participating in the relay hunger strike include Obulesh, Diwakar, Venkatasubbayya, Balakrishna, Hanumanthu, DGHPS Venkatesh, APSU Narasimhulu, RTU Ganganna, and Prathapa Reddy, along with many Dalits from old Kadapa. The hunger strike entered its 25th day.

(Source: IAIJ/BIN/DPJB)