ICYM submits memorandum to PM on Dalit Christians

A memorandum urging Prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh for granting scheduled caste status to the Dalit Christians along with several other issues concerning Christians in Orissa, were submitted by youths participating at the 7th Christian Youth convention in the state.

The memorandum which was signed and agreed by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement pointed out the recommendation of Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission for Religious & Linguistic Minorities in granting Scheduled Caste status to Dalit Christians and the various PILs filed before the Honourable Supreme Court of India for restoration of their human, civil, legal rights and human dignity which were cut short by the Presidential Order of 1950.

“It is very fundamental to admit that the Constitution of India nowhere permits discrimination on the ground of religion alone and in this case the Dalits are being discriminated only on the ground of religion. Besides, it is a question of empowerment in all its dimensions…social, economic and political,” the memorandum added.

“Accepting our demands does not hurt our brethren in the Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist faith. It poses no threat for the security and integrity of our beloved Nation. It does not add to societal tension. Ours is a demand for social Justice and Human dignity, of universally accepted Human Rights and the full scope of citizenship and protection of the Law,” the Christian youths asserted, quoted India Catholic News Site of CBCI.

Apart from the Dalit issues, the memorandum continued to mention the burning questions facing the Christian community in Orissa and other parts of the country, regarding female foeticide, child labors, gender sensitization and women empowerment.

The memorandum urged the Prime minister to “direct the State Govt. for positive and timely response to the prayer and petitions covering the issues put forth in this memorandum so that Church in Orissa really serves the poor, needy and marginalized sections of the society with unabated zeal and enthusiasm.”