Dalits in India find sponsors in Pakistan Radio

Abohar, May 29 (ANI): In its latest Punjabi Durbar programme the commentators have come up with the argument that Dalit leaders in India have been accepting the directives given to them from Brahmin leaders.

The programme has been attacking the integrity of Dalit leaders, who have been accused of forgetting the welfare of people of their community.

Radio Pakistan has alleged that Dalit leaders who have won elections in the past forgot to work for their community and accepting the diktats of 'Brahmin' leaders. Apparently the reference is directed to Mayawati, Chief Minister of U.P., who has an upper caste Advisor.

Villagers, living in the border areas, are amused.

Inderjit Singh Baserke, a Congress leader from Dalit community, however rubbishes such allegations. He points out that Dalits had reserved seats during the elections for Legislative Assembly and the Parliament. They have become MLAs and MPs. The children of Dalits have also got reservation in educational institutions and later in government jobs at all levels.

"I am proud of our Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. The first Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru provided reservation to the children of Dalits and today they proudly hold posts of IAS officer, IPS, and PCS, oficers.

Many leaders of the Punjab state Congress party are Dalits. People of Dalit society are never ill-treated in Punjab. This is the land of our Gurus. Today, the Dalits enjoy an equal status with higher castes," said Dalit leader Inderjit Singh Baserke, the general secretary of the Punjab Pradesh Congress, Punjab.

"Radio Pakistan wants to provoke the Dalits in India. We have to be careful," Baserke added.

The Constitution of India offers to its all citizens six fundamental rights-- Right to equality, right to freedom of speech and expression, right against exploitation, right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights and right to constitutional remedies.

The rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India are fundamental rights and are enforceable in a court of law.

But who can enlighten the broadcasters of the Punjabi Durbar programme of Pakistan radio, who are presently finding it difficult cover items relating to the activities of the Taliban in their programmes. They seem to think that talking about Dalits in India is the answer. (ANI)