Thousand dalits to embrace Buddhism

Kendrapada, Apr 13(UNI) Peeved at the apathetic attitude of the district administration nearly a thousand dalits in Aul have decided to embrace Buddhism.

Under the banner of Republican Youth and Students' Front (RYSF) the dalits would embrace Buddhism tomorrow on the occasion of the 116th Birth Anniversary of Baba Saheb Ambedkar at Bhuinpur under Aul police station.

RYSF General Secretary Kshirod Chandra Patro said the dalits were unhappy as the district administration had failed to protect their lives from the wrath of the upper caste people in the area.

The dalits in the area were also aggrieved at the indifferent attitude of the upper caste people in allowing their entry into the 300 year old Jagannath temple at Kedargada despite a court order.

Earlier in January, the Dalits had organised a demonstration in front of the Collectorate office here protesting against the failure of district administration to safeguard their rights.

They also filed a mass affidavit under Orissa Freedom Religious Act, 1967 before the District Magistrate praying sanction to embrace Buddhism.

Sources said Buddhist monk Vikhuk Biswabandhu from New Delhi has already arrived at Aul to perform the conversion at a venue where a 2.5 feet long Buddha idol would be installed.

Besides, the monk would also lay the foundation stone at Balakati village to set up a Buddha Vihar for the Dalits.

Meanwhile, to avoid any untoward incident the local authority had deployed one platoon of police force in the area to keep a strict vigil on the development.

UNI