Mayawati flayed for rise in atrocities against dalits in UP

Patna,Feb 4 (UNI) National president of 'Hum Dalit' and JD(U) MLA R R Kanaujia today alleged that atrocities against dalits had increased in Uttar Pradesh during the regime of Chief Minister Mayawati.

In a release issued here, Mr Kanaujia said the Bahujan Samaj Party chief had amended the act concerning the coercive measures to be taken in the event of atrocities against the dalits.

''Untouchability, discrimination, rape and murder were earlier categorised as offences tantamount to atrocities against dalits but Ms Mayawati amended the act omitting all the offences, except rape and murder, as cases of atrocities against dalits,'' he said. The step had resulted in spurt in crime against dalits in Uttar Pradesh during the past few months, he added.

Mr Kanaujia demanded immediate withdrawal of the amendment to protect the interest of the oppressed class in the state.

He also announced that his organisation would burn the effigy of Ms Mayawati to protest the rise in incidents of atrocities against the dalits.

Ms Mayawati is scheduled to address a rally of her party at the historic Gandji Maidan in Patna on February 6.

UNI KKS PL RN1620