Christian Dalits Protest in Delhi

(July 26, 2011) Indian capital New Delhi is witnessing a three-day hunger strike by protesters to demand statutory benefits for fellow Christians from former “untouchable” castes.Addressing the gathering, Archbishop Vincent Concessao of Delhi, said “Ours is a non-violent movement and we will fight till we get justice,” The hunger strike will end with a large march on parliament on July 28 attended by bishops, pastors and laity from all Christian denominations, said Father G. Cosmon Arokiaraj, secretary of the Catholic bishops’ conference’s Commission for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Castes.
The hunger strike and the rally are being organized by the National Coordination Committee for Dalit Christians, a joint body set up by the bishops’ conference and the National Council of Churches in India.
The Indian Constitution provides seats in legislative houses, allocates jobs and provides places in educational institutions for Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh dalits. However, Christians and Muslims are denied these benefits under the pretext their religions do not recognize the caste system. Christians argue that such a stand violates a constitution that grants equal rights to all citizens.