Memorandum from the Joint Political Dalit Struggle Committee to Home Minister Lekhak

Kathmandu — The Joint Political Dalit Struggle Committee has presented a memorandum to Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, highlighting the escalating instances of caste-based untouchability and violence against the Dalit community.

The memorandum strongly urges action against those responsible for recent incidents of caste-based discrimination in Achham, Sarlahi, and Rautahat. Specifically, it calls for Home Minister Lekhak's personal investigation and justice for the victims of the legally registered inter-caste marriage between Satyendra Ram and Neha Rauniyar in Barathawa, Saptari, which challenges a Supreme Court decision.

Furthermore, the committee demands justice for Dalit students subjected to caste-based untouchability by priest Chetraj Bhatt and misconduct by school management committee chairman Sajjan Pariyar during Saraswati Puja at Budhakot Secondary School, Sanphebagar, Achham.

In response to the government's Integrated Election Management Bill, criticized for inadequate Dalit representation, the memorandum insists on 13.8% representation for Dalits in both direct and proportional electoral systems.

Additionally, marking the 18th anniversary of Nepal's declaration as untouchability-free, the committee proposes a 12-day Dalit rights campaign from Jestha 10 to 21, with Jestha 21 designated as a public holiday.

The memorandum stresses the enforcement of fundamental rights under Articles 24 and 40 of Nepal's Constitution, directive principles related to Dalit rights, and the establishment of Caste Untouchability Monitoring Centers in every municipality.

It also demands justice, compensation, and lasting solutions for victims of anti-Dalit violence, emphasizing the role of existing bodies like the Neglected, Oppressed, and Dalit Class Upliftment Development Committee, the National Dalit Commission, and the Case Development Board.

Finally, the committee calls for measures to prevent discrimination against Dalits in land, property, education, and employment opportunities, and urges action against deadly consequences of inter-caste marriages, exemplified by the tragic case of Ajit Mijar in Kavre.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has assured the Sangharsh Samiti of his commitment to addressing these concerns and undertaking necessary steps to fulfill the memorandum's demands.