People's Democracy

 DELHI

 Dharna Demands Action Against Jhajjar Killers

ON October 15, the CPI(M)’s Delhi state committee organised a well attended dharna at Haryana Bhawan, New Delhi, to demand immediate action against the VHP led perpetrators of the dastardly lynching of five Dalit youth at the Duleena police post outside Jhajjar, Haryana, exactly one year ago.

The dharna was addressed by CPI(M) Central Committee member Jogendra Sharma, and by the party’s state secretariat members Suraj Bhan Bhardwaj and Baldev Singh.

The speakers lambasted the Chautala government of Haryana for protecting those responsible for this heinous crime. Thus, not only have the accused been released on bail, no formal charges have been filed against them in court to date. Similarly no action has been taken against the duty magistrates and police personnel who despite being present on the site did nothing to prevent the lynching.

The speakers charged that the complicity of the Haryana government with the perpetrators of this inhuman crime has further emboldened the casteist and communal forces like the VHP. Several attempts by the VHP to terrorise the Dalits and minorities in Haryana in the name of cow protection have come to light subsequently. Such is the situation that the VHP is openly honouring the killers in different ceremonies since their release on bail.

The speakers demanded cancellation of bail of the killers, immediate filing of charges against them in a court of law, action against government and police personnel who were mute spectators to this murder, and stern action against those seeking to terrorise the Dalits and minorities in Haryana. They also called upon the party ranks to oppose all forms of caste and communal violence and discrimination and vigorously protest against any incidents of the same.

A memorandum was also submitted to the chairman, National Human Rights Commission, urging him to intervene for bringing those responsible for the Duleena carnage to justice. A copy of the memorandum was also given to the Haryana chief minister through the commissioner of Haryana in Delhi. (INN)