EFI condemns desecration of Ambedkar's statue in Uttar Pradesh, calls for peace

The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) has denounced the desecration of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's statue in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh which resulted in Dalits taking violence to the streets in Maharashtra which has claimed three lives and has left dozens injured.

"We are greatly disturbed concerning the recent events involving the desecration of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's statue in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh and also the Dalit violence that has ensued in Maharashtra as a result of this act," Rev. Richard Howell, general secretary, EFI, said. "EFI also takes this opportunity to call for peace and also to plead the cause of the Dalit."

"We stand with the Dalits in securing human rights...[but] we also realize that violence will not produce appropriate, positive results but will instead beget further violence," Rev. Howell said, urging the Dalit to restrain from violence. "We recognize that the atrocities against Dalits are unjust and need attention and that the government and the citizens of India should take active steps in abolishing the stigma and oppression the Dalits face continually."

"Since the murder of the Dalit family in Khairlanji, Maharashtra in September and now the desecration of the statue, the Dalits have become increasingly agitated and have therefore resorted to taking violent measures," he noted.

Thousands of Dalits vented their ire at the governments of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh following desecration of their iconic leader Dr. Ambedkar's statue, November 29, taking violence to the streets, blocking roads, damaging buses, burning tyres and pelting stones at vehicles. According to news reports, violent protesters also stopped the Deccan Queen, which runs between Pune and Mumbai, and torched five bogies of the train. A local train was also set ablaze in Mumbai. However, no one was injured in the incidents.

The violence, which went on for two days, claimed three lives and left dozens injured, was brought under control when the state government of Maharashtra imposed curfew in several towns and cities.

India celebrated Dr. Ambedkar's 50th death anniversary on Wednesday, December 6, 2006.

EFI has urged Christians nationwide to pray for the situation in Maharashtra so that peace prevails in the regions affected by violence and the Dalits secure their rights to equality and justice and are treated with dignity in India.