Ashish Kumar
IN light of the increasing incidents of caste-based violence and discrimination against the Dalit community in Himachal Pradesh, various Dalit organizations across the state have taken a historic step by deciding to unite. At a state-level convention held in Shimla, more than 461 representatives from 35 organizations participated and announced the formation of a common platform - Shoshan Mukti Manch.
The convention was presided over jointly by the leadership of all participating organizations, while Jagat Ram from the Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch conducted the proceedings. Prominent political figures like former MLA and state secretary of the Himachal Kisan Sabha, Rakesh Singha, and former mayor of Shimla and state secretary of the CPI(M), Sanjay Chauhan, were also present, giving the movement significant political and social support.
It was unanimously decided at the convention that all organizations would now work together under the banner of Shoshan Mukti Manch to strengthen the fight against caste-based oppression and discrimination. To organize this united struggle in a structured manner, a 35-member State Coordination Committee was formed. Ashish Kumar was unanimously elected as the State Convenor, while Rajesh Kosh and Minta Jinta were appointed as Co-Convenors.
The platform expressed deep concern and outrage over various heinous incidents, particularly the Sikandar case in Rohru and another in the Sainj Valley of Kullu. It demanded immediate government jobs and fair compensation for Sikandar’s family, along with justice for all affected families. Representatives of various social, farmers', labor, and women's organizations present at the convention also pledged full support and cooperation in this united struggle against the atrocities faced by the Dalit community. The convention and the formation of Shoshan Mukti Manch mark a turning point in the fight for social justice and equality in Himachal Pradesh. The coming together of diverse organizations on one platform clearly signals that the community is now determined to fight back - organized and empowered - against the growing caste-based atrocities. It now poses a serious challenge to the state government, which must take this public outcry seriously and act decisively to ensure justice.
Dalits in Himachal continue to face various forms of discrimination and exploitation. Beyond the social oppression, they are subjected to economic and psychological abuse as a part of their daily lives. When a Dalit person is forced to pay Rs 30,000–Rs 40,000 for a goat as part of a so-called “purification” ritual just for touching an upper-caste person's house, the issue goes far beyond mere social discrimination. Such acts reveal the multi-layered nature of exploitation - an attempt to label them as "impure" socially, burden them economically, and traumatize them mentally.
Moreover, discrimination in educational institutions, restrictions on accessing public spaces, and denial of government welfare benefits make their lives even more difficult. This multidimensional discrimination not only violates constitutional values but also exposes the deep and widespread roots of casteism in society.
The growing atrocities against the Dalit community in the state are not isolated incidents - they challenge the very foundations of the state’s governance. Shockingly, despite making up over 25% of the state's population, the rights of Dalits are openly violated. The Sikandar case in Rohru - where a child was locked in a cowshed and a goat was demanded as “penance” - is not an isolated incident. Even more horrifying is the case in the Sainj Valley of Kullu, where a Dalit woman was raped and murdered, and her body was hanged from a tree. The public beating of an official in the name of the “Dev Samaj” (Divine Society) has crossed all limits of a civilized society. From throwing a shoe at the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to these recent incidents, all appear to be interconnected and part of a larger, deliberate pattern. They openly violate constitutional rights and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The real question now is not why these incidents are happening, but why the government and administration are failing to prevent them. Ensuring the safety of Dalits is the government’s responsibility, but it seems that the system has surrendered to anti-Dalit forces.
The time has come to hold the state accountable - this is not just a Dalit issue, but a deep crisis of our collective morality and the very foundations of our democracy. The violence being inflicted on Dalits is not accidental; it is the result of a deeply entrenched casteist system, upheld by the indifference of the State and the silence of society. If we remain quiet now, this violence will only escalate - and our silence will become its accomplice. The fight against caste injustice is a fight for the very soul of our society.
With this understanding, Shoshan Mukti Manch has laid out a plan of action and outlined the framework for a statewide movement. The Manch has resolved to organize conventions in every district of the state and form district committees by November 15, followed by protest demonstrations across Himachal Pradesh on November 17 under the banner of Shoshan Mukti Manch. The convention also reached a consensus to broaden the platform and bring together responsive sections of the society - Dalit and non-Dalit, workers, students, activists, and common citizens - in order to build a powerful people's movement against exploitation and injustice.
