CPI(ML)-New Democracy strongly condemns the unprovoked lath charge and firing on the people who were protesting against demolition of a Ravidas temple in Tughlakabad area of South Delhi. It calls upon the democratic and progressive organizations and people to oppose this attack and framing of false cases against activists.

A huge gathering of people at Ramlila Maidan on August 21 condemned the demolition of Ravidas Temple by the DDA which is under the Central Govt. Over thirty thousand people had assembled there. From there thousands marched to Tughlakabad site of Ravidas Temple. This demolition and police attack on the people demonstrating against it once again demonstrated the anti-Dalit character of RSS-BJP Govt. Several organizations participated in the meeting and demonstration. Leaders and members of Zamin Prapti Sangharsh Committee (Punjab), IFTU (Delhi) and Pendu Mazdoor Union (Punjab) also participated in the meeting.

This attack on Ravidas temple should be seen along with RSS chief’s demand to reopen discussion on reservation for Dalits. Dalits’ protest is part of their resistance of Dalits against the attacks and repression by Hindutva fascist forces in power.

This demolition was avowedly carried out in pursuance of a Supreme Court order. This pretense of Hindutva fascists of following Supreme Court is bogus as they have scant regard for the constitutional norms or judicial pronouncements. Supreme Court should also pay attention to not being seen partial or arbitrary. One cannot forget to note how Supreme Court which had been routinely staying decisions regarding reservations in the name of crossing 50% limit, chose to remain silent on reservation for sections of upper castes. Such discriminatory and arbitrary treatment cannot inspire confidence among the oppressed sections.