Authorities warned: Dalits may be forced to migrate from North Gujarat village if social boycott continues

Dalits protest against social boycott

By A Representative
Threat of forced migration is looming large over the Dalit community of Kudol village of Modasa taluka in the newly-formed Aravalli district, North Gujarat, following an upper caste attack on a wedding procession on May 24, where social boycott has been imposed on Dalit families. The attack took place after several dominant castemen objected to the bridegroom riding a horse during the wedding procession, to which the Dalits refused. The procession was attacked despite the fact that eight policemen accompanied the procession. A mob, consisting of several dozen persons, pelted stones on Dalits, injuring some of them, including cops.
A representation to the district collector, Aravalli, by the "Dalit community Aravalli", said, no sooner the culprits of the attack were taken in custody, upper caste social boycott has come into effect on the Dalit households. “In case social boycott does not end, we will be forced to migrate out of the village”, the representation warns, adding, “We have been barred from entering into the barber’s shop for hairdressing. A ban has been imposed on employing us as wage labourers, or sharing agricultural equipment with us. We are refused to enter jeeps or rickshaws.”
Giving more examples of social boycott, the representation said, “We are not being allowed to buy milk or curd from the local dairy, or goods of daily use from the local shops. Also, the local shops refuse to accept wheat and other foodgrains for grinding. We have represented to the deputy superintendent of police (DySP) for urgent steps against social boycott. We want that those responsible for imposing the social boycott should be brought to book by registering offence under the anti-atrocities Act and the prevention of anti-social activities Act.”

Dalits protest in Modasa

The representation further says, “The police should search individual houses of those who have been identified as culprits during the attack on the marriage party, and take possession of any sharp weapons, including fire arms, knives and swords, which they might have used while attacking the marriage procession.” Wanting police protection, the representation said, “The children will soon start going to the school following the vacation, hence they should be particularly provided security.”
Other demands include asking the authorities to ensure that the common village plot next to the Dalit colony in the village, which has been "illegally" occupied by the high caste people, should be vacated and put to common use; there should be a proper checking of the ration shop, which discriminates against Dalits while giving foodgrains and essential goods; and the peace committee formed in the village in the wake of similar attacks should be reactivated by taking written assurance from those responsible not to disturb inter-caste harmony.
Local Dalits allege that the attack on the marriage procession took place despite the fact that the bridegroom’s family had sought was provided police protection, following a warning from some members of the upper castes against riding a horse and taking out the procession, which the upper caste communities claimed was a tradition not meant for Dalits. In a similar incident at Tajpuri village in Himmatnagar taluka of Sabarkantha district on March 6, 2014 two dozen Dalits were reportedly injured after being beaten up by some members of upper castes.

Comments

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

CFA flags ‘welfare retreat’ in Union Budget 2026–27, alleges corporate bias

By Jag Jivan The advocacy group Centre for Financial Accountability (CFA) has sharply criticised the Union Budget 2026–27 , calling it a “budget sans kartavya” that weakens public welfare while favouring private corporations, even as inequality, climate risks and social distress deepen across the country.

From water scarcity to sustainable livelihoods: The turnaround of Salaiya Maaf

By Bharat Dogra We were sitting at a central place in Salaiya Maaf village, located in Mahoba district of Uttar Pradesh, for a group discussion when an elderly woman said in an emotional voice, “It is so good that you people came. Land on which nothing grew can now produce good crops.”

'Big blow to crores of farmers’: Opposition mounts against US–India trade deal

By A Representative Farmers’ organisations and political groups have sharply criticised the emerging contours of the US–India trade agreement, warning that it could severely undermine Indian agriculture, depress farm incomes and open the doors to genetically modified (GM) food imports in violation of domestic regulatory safeguards.

When free trade meets unequal fields: The India–US agriculture question

By Vikas Meshram The proposed trade agreement between India and the United States has triggered intense debate across the country. This agreement is not merely an attempt to expand bilateral trade; it is directly linked to Indian agriculture, the rural economy, democratic processes, and global geopolitics. Free trade agreements (FTAs) may appear attractive on the surface, but the political economy and social consequences behind them are often unequal and controversial. Once again, a fundamental question has surfaced: who will benefit from this agreement, and who will pay its price?

Why Russian oil has emerged as the flashpoint in India–US trade talks

By N.S. Venkataraman* In recent years, India has entered into trade agreements with several countries, the latest being agreements with the European Union and the United States. While the India–EU trade agreement has been widely viewed in India as mutually beneficial and balanced, the trade agreement with the United States has generated comparatively greater debate and scrutiny.

Trade pacts with EU, US raise alarms over farmers, MSMEs and policy space

By A Representative A broad coalition of farmers’ organisations, trade unions, traders, public health advocates and environmental groups has raised serious concerns over India’s recently concluded trade agreements with the European Union and the United States, warning that the deals could have far-reaching implications for livelihoods, policy autonomy and the country’s long-term development trajectory. In a public statement issued, the Forum for Trade Justice described the two agreements as marking a “tectonic shift” in India’s trade policy and cautioned that the projected gains in exports may come at a significant social and economic cost.

From Puri to the State: How Odisha turned the dream of drinkable tap water into policy

By Hans Harelimana Hirwa, Mansee Bal Bhargava Drinking water directly from the tap is generally associated with developed countries where it is considered safe and potable. Only about 50 countries around the world offer drinkable tap water, with the majority located in Europe and North America, and a few in Asia and Oceania. Iceland, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, and Singapore have the highest-quality tap water, followed by Canada, New Zealand, Japan, the USA, Australia, the UK, Costa Rica, and Chile.

Michael Parenti: Scholar known for critiques of capitalism and U.S. foreign policy

By Harsh Thakor* Michael Parenti, an American political scientist, historian, and author known for his Marxist and anti-imperialist perspectives, died on January 24 at the age of 92. Over several decades, Parenti wrote and lectured extensively on issues of capitalism, imperialism, democracy, media, and U.S. foreign policy. His work consistently challenged dominant political and economic narratives, particularly those associated with Western liberal democracies and global capitalism.

Search This Blog