Minority communities form Dalit Islam Christian Federation

Chennai, Aug 21 (UNI) Leaders of Dalit and minority Muslim and Christian communities today announced the formation of a 'Dalit Islam Christian Federation' to bring the people of three communities under one umbrella and fight for their rights.

Talking to newspersons, after a meeting with leaders of the three communities here, President of the Federation Bishop M Prakash said a nine-member committee had been constituted to formulate a ''common minimum programme'' to move further.

He said after the committee finalised the programme within ten days, the office bearers of the Federation would meet again and chalk out the future course of action.

Though the three communities constituted 40 to 50 per cent of the total population of the State, they could not be a force to reckon with as they were divided, owing allegiance to various political parties or organisations, he added.

Mr Prakash replied in negative when asked whether the Federation would enter electoral politics. ''We want to consolidate ourselves and show our strength,'' he added.

The Federation Vice President and Dalit leader Sakthi Dasan said even after 60 years of independence, the plight of Dalits and minorities continued unabated in the State.

Dalits elected to local bodies were prevented from discharging their duties and the ''double tumbler'' system, a sign of untouchability, was still prevalent in more than 1,000 villages in the State, he alleged.

The Federation, besides launching a campaign, would take up issues like exclusive reservation for minorities in education and jobs, he said.

When the government waived farm loans to the tune of Rs 7,000 crore, not even a single Dalit was benefitted by this Mr Dasan claimed, and wanted the government to waive THADCO loans of Rs 70 crore availed by the Dalits.

UNI