Dalit Christians march for rights

(February 19, 2010) Catholic and Protestant groups are jointly spearheading a 25-day “long march” in southern India’s Tamil Nadu state to demand quota rights for socially and economically poor Christians. The walk started from Kanniyakumari, the state’s southernmost tip, on Feb. 10. It is scheduled to end in the state capital of Chennai on March 5. Meanwhile on Feb. 13, Church representatives presented a memorandum to state Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. The march for the equal rights of Dalit Christians is being sponsored by the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council and the National Council of Dalit Christians. Hundreds of Christians are now marching through various districts carrying banners and placards that condemn religious discrimination and call for equal status. The organizers say they want to draw society’s attention to the “injustice” Dalit Christians suffer. The Indian Constitution allows quota in education and jobs to Dalit or oppressed castes to help their socio-economic advancement. However, d Dalit alit among Christians and Muslims are excluded for the past 60 years on the ground their religions do not follow the caste system. They demand the inclusion of Dalit Christians for welfare quotas.