Peaceful protest against anti-conversion laws will include burning bills in public and, due to demands by Dalits, an opportunity to leave the caste system

NAGPUR – Oct. 8, 2006 – Organizers of a massive rally in Central India have outlined their plans to publicly burn anti-conversion laws in protest and support anyone who wants to leave the caste system. The demonstration, titled “World Freedom of Conscience and Freedom of Religion Day”, is being held in Nagpur , Maharashtra, on Saturday, October 14, 2006, at Kasturchand Park . Over 100,000 Dalits (formerly known as untouchables) are expected to attend along with international observers.

Exactly fifty years after Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and thousands of his followers left Hinduism and embraced Buddhism, hundreds of thousands of Dalits will rally for a change in Indian society. Ambedkar was a messiah of Dalits and framer of the Indian Constitution. 

Dr. Udit Raj, one of India ’s best known Dalit leaders today, said, “The Gujarat Government passed an anti-conversion law amendment on September 19, 2006 , that said Buddhists and Jains are part of Hinduism. We are outraged at this ridiculous action by politicians. On the one hand, extremist Hindus have intimidated and discriminated against Christians and Muslims by passing draconian anti-conversion laws in seven states. On the other hand, they are trying to assimilate Buddhism and Jainism into Hinduism. Where is the freedom to choose your own faith?”

As a protest, Dr. Raj said copies of so-called freedom of religion bills will be symbolically burned on the stage. The large rally will also include opportunities for people to renounce the caste system and thousands are expected to participate in the peaceful revolt. Important religious and human rights leaders from Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism and progressive Hindus will participate in the event. Details were unveiled during an Oct. 7^th press conference in Mumbai.

(Enclosed photo provided by “aicc communications”: (left to right) Ms. Indira Singh Athwale, General Secretary and Maharashtra State President, All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations; Mr. Abraham Mathai, Vice-Chairman, Maharashtra State Minorities Commission; Mr. Udit Raj, National Chairman, All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations; Ms. Pooja Bhatt, Bollywood Actress; Mr. Dr. Joseph D’souza, International President, Dalit Freedom Network, and President, All India Christian Council; Mr. Naseem Siddiqui, Chairman, Maharashtra State Minorities Commission.)

Dr. Joseph D’souza, International President, Dalit Freedom Network, and President, All India Christian Council, said, “We love our country. India is the world’s largest democracy and an amazing land of diversity. Yet our nation must recognize the evil of a system which doesn’t allow people to express a freedom of conscience. People must be allowed to choose their faith freely.” The All India Christian Council is co-sponsoring the event.

Anti-conversion laws have been passed under the guise of ‘freedom of religion bills’ in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat , and Rajasthan. Laws are being actively enforced in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

The All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations (www.scstconfederation.com), formed in 1997, exists to champion the intent and spirit of the Constitution of India towards scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. It actively pursues social justice and the benefits conferred on members by the Constitution.

The All India Christian Council (www.aiccindia.org), founded in 1999, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The aicc is a coalition of over 5,000 Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.

The Dalit Freedom Network (www.dalitnetwork.org) partners with the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations and the All India Christian Council to support Dalits in their emancipation movement through education, health care, economic advancement, and human right advocacy.