Dalit Christians in Orissa to agitate for SC status

Due to the Government not taking necessary actions in providing Scheduled Caste status to the Dalit Christians of Orissa, the representatives in the state are preparing to hold an agitation throughout the state demanding equality and justice.

Although the report of Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission, five months back, agreed and declared dalit Christians as Scheduled Castes, the government is yet to confirm and promote justness to uplift the dalits from the downtrodden state.

On tuesday, representatives of dalit Christian community from eight districts met at Mogana in Gajapti district to chalk out the future course of action.

The meeting was attended by president of National Council of Dalit Christians (NCDC), Mary Johan and its State convener Kumar Prasant, reported a Christian news.

Ms Johan, during the meeting, urged like–minded organisations and social activisits of the State to come forward and help the dalit Christians restore their rights from the government.

Mr Prasanth questioned, "Can only religious conversion change the social status of a person whose clan has suffered social ostracisation since generations?"

Major political parties and leaders in the state supported the claim of dalit Christians and wished the Mishra Commission report that was submitted five months back, can be activated.