THE Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch calls upon all its units across the country to organise widespread protests condemning the gruesome attack on seven members of a Dalit family by the cow protection vigilantes (gau rakshaks) in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district on July 11. In a statement issued on July 20, the DSMM said that in the aftermath of the incident, the police has further resorted to brutal lathicharge and harassment against protesters is continuing. No action has been taken against the culprits. The people of Gujarat observed a bandh throughout the state on July 21. Several more incidents have occurred in Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other places against dalits, particularly dalit women are being targeted. In Haryana, three rape incidents were reported in this month alone. In Mumbai, Ambedkar Bhavan was demolished by authorities. Such is the serious situation prevailing in the country. DSMM demands that all the accused should be arrested immediately and tried under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. Compensation should be given to the victims and all the medical costs for treatment of the victims should be borne by the state government. DSMM demands the government to act strictly against cow protection vigilante groups who are increasingly resorting to such attacks in various parts of the country. DSMM will hold a dharna at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on July 25 as part of the countrywide protest actions. DSMM appeals all sections of people to participate and make success these protest actions.