Saharanpur violence: Bhim Army demands justice for Dalits

New Delhi, May 25 (IANS) Newly formed Dalits' rights group Bhim Army on Thursday issued ultimatum to the Uttar Pradesh government to bring the perpetrators of the May 5 Saharanpur violence to book.

The group also said if the government fails to provide justice, they would not shy away from taking up arms.

"If pressed against the wall, they must know that we do not only follow B.R. Ambedkar but Udham Singh as well... If we do take up arms, then it will be for justice and peace for our community," Ravi Kumar Gautam of the Bhim Army told the media.

He also urged the state government to do justice "so that peace can be maintained".

The members of the radical "apolitical" group accused the district administration of colluding with the upper caste members and giving them a free rein during which they "ransacked and burnt down 65 houses and 25 shops" belonging to Dalits.

"The biggest failure of the administration was not confiscating the arms after May 5. At present, people are roaming around freely with their swords drawn. We are under a great danger of being attacked again," Jai Bhagwan Jatav, Patron of Bhim Army, said during a press conference.

Counsel for the group pointed out the disproportionate charges under which members of both the factions have been booked after violence.

"The severest charge levelled against any upper caste member is IPC 395, which spells dacoity, while Dalits have been booked for 'murder' and 'attempt to murder'," advocate Mohammad Shehenshah Khan said.

Clashes had broken out in Shabbirpur village of Saharanpur district between the upper caste Thakurs and Dalits on May 5.

Tempers rose allegedly when on the occasion of Maharana Pratap's birth anniversary, the Rajput community members insisted on playing loud music during a procession, despite a remonstration from Dalits against it.

In the ensuing violence, one person was killed and 16 were reportedly injured.