Jalandhar: At the call of Revolutionary Marxist Party of India (RMPI) a massive convention against casteist Manuwadi slavery was held here today in Desh Bhagat Memorial Hall. Hundereds of people from various walks of life including a big number of women who are struggling for the establishment of an eglitarian society participated in this convention. This convention was presided over by a presidium comprising Rattan Singh Randhawa, Lal Chand Kataruchakk, Kulwant Singh Sandhu, Darshan Nahar and Neelam Ghuman.
Among others the convention was addressed by Com. Mangat Ram Pasla, General Secratery RMPI, veteran dalit leader Sh. Lahori Ram Bali, renowned dalit theoritician Advocate S.L. Virdi, Harkanwal Singh and Madam Santosh Kumari. All the speakers lambasted the govt. for not implementing even the constitutional provisions sefeguarding the interests of the dalits. They also strongly criticized the anti-dalit amendments made by the Supreme Court in S.C./S.T. Act.
The convention condemned the prevailing inhuman approach towards dalits whereby still seperate wells to draw drinking waters, are being marked for the dalits, they are not being allowed entry in several religious places as well as to cremate their dead bodies in common crematoriums.
Com. Mangat Ram Pasla announced that a broad-based movement comprising all damocratic and justice loving forces will be launched to attain freedom from such centuries old caste-based discriminations and humiliations.
Through another resolution, the convention also demanded immediate check on the daily rising prices of diesel and petrol.
After the convention, a demonstration was also staged in the bazars of the city despite the scorching heat overhead.
