Bishops defend 'untouchables', declare December 7 as Dalit Liberation Day

Members of Dalit community once categorized as 'untouchables' or of low caste, are being victimized and persecuted for embracing Christianity, says Indian bishops' conference.

To sensitize the matter and counter those attacking the tribal group, the episcopal conference and the National Council of Churches in India together have declared Dec. 7 the "Day of Dalit Liberation" with the theme "Seek Justice, Liberate the Oppressed."

According to the bishops, Dalit Christians were the most affected during the anti-Christian violence in Orissa. At least 57 of the dead, and tens of thousands of refugees, belong to this group, they say.

In a public statement, the Church leaders said, "Christian Dalits are attacked because they are Dalits, which implies oppression in the name of castes, and also because they are Christians, which is discrimination in the name of religion. Violence against Christian Dalits is flagrant proof of violation against their human rights."

The bishops explained that Sunday was chosen as the day of prayer in all churches of India as it concurs with the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Dec. 10.

The purpose of the day, they say, is to bring awareness among Christians of the marginalization of Dalits and also to call for determined action by the government to guarantee respect for human rights.

Dalit status has often been historically associated with occupations regarded as ritually impure, such as any occupation involving killing, handling of animal cadavers or night soil (human feces).

Although the Constitution Scheduled Castes Order 1950 provides the status of scheduled caste benefits like reservations in education and government jobs, these benefits cannot be applied if a Hindu converts to any other religion.

Later the order was revised to include Dalit Sikhs and Buddhists while there was no inclusion of the Dalit Christians and Muslims.

Dismayed over the injustice caused by the Indian Government, various dharnas and demonstrations are still being organized by the Churches and NGO's to seek equal rights and justice.