Dalit Buddhists killed because of their caste
Kherlanji, India -- Like many Indians, their hopes of a good life
were basic: a decent education, a life that was lived with self
respect and a livelihood which disturbed no one. But in India,
Surekha and her family were tortured for many years because they
chose to live the "basic life". The reason - because they were
Dalits, untouchables in the eyes of Hindu purists whose status are
merely better than animals.
On September 29, 2006, in the town of Kherlanji, near Nagpur - a new
center of Buddhist movement in India - Buddhists Surekha and her
daughter Priyanka were beaten, paraded naked and gang-raped in full
public view for an hour before they fell dead.
"Sticks were pushed into their private parts," said a policeman, who
asked not to be named. Around 50 to 60 women were involved in the
barbaric, inhuman act.
Surekha's husband, Mr. Bhotmange was forced to witness his wife and
child's being brutally hacked to death in full view of his entire
village. Not only were the female members of his family tortured, his
sons were stabbed repeatedly and their private parts mutilated as
they refused to rape their sister.
Intriguingly, the post-mortem report says the women were not raped.
"Doctors were managed and the police bribed," whispered another voice
who requested that his name not to be revealed.
We are publishing this article to highlight the unimaginable
atrocities commited in the name of religion in today's "modern
India". While we respect traditions and local customs, we cannot
condone such mindless brutality, committed against persons who have
been immorally branded as "less than pure".
For details of the report submitted, please go to this link (Be
warned: Article contains graphic images):
http://atrocitynews.wordpress.com/files/2006/10/khairlanji.pdf
We would like to appeal to the international Buddhist community to
please use your connections and networks and forward this information
to all Human Rights Organizations and Government and Non-Government
Agencies.
It is time that the suffering endured by the multitude of Dalits -
the so called untouchable caste of India - be highlighted to the
international community so that the voice of reason can be pressed
upon the Government of India to put a "practical" stop to such
inhumane act once and for all.
For more information on how you can help, or to enquire about the
Dalit situation, please contact the following:
The Jambudvipa Trust
www.jambudvipa.org
'Manuski', Deccan College Rd
Tel/Fax +91-20-2669 6812 / +91-98506 66479
Yerwada, Pune
411 006, India
The Ambedkar movement
www.ambedkar.org
