Civil Liberties Monitoring Committee. India

Press Release

Condemn the attack on Ambedkar statues
It is an act of Fascism

Civil liberties Monitoring Committee in its statement strongly condemn the damage to the Ambedkar Statues in Amalapuram city of Andhra Pradesh. The committee states that the attack, damage and destruction of Statues of personality like Ambedkar who is an icon of social justice and an architect of Indian constitution is nothing but disrespect towards the Indian constitution. It is an act of fascism, and this committee strongly believes that this is the handy work of Hindutva elements with full support of political mafia of Andhra region who do not want to recognize Ambedkar ideology.

This committee wants to clear that these planned and systematic attacks on Ambedkar Statues are part of greater conspiracy to demonstrate Hindutva hegemony on the people of India who believe Ambedkar values of Social justice, Democracy and Secularism. These planned attacks on Ambedkar statues are indications to Dalit community to be in their limits and not to raise their voice against brahmanical principles which is based upon discrimination and inequity.

It is a matter of great concern that these incidents happened immediately after a debate on Ambedkar ideology on a news channel. In this debate participants defended the Ambedkar stand on Hindu religion and expressed their views that Hindu religion is responsible for degrading standard of Dalits. Instead of accepting the facts, Hindutva extremists belonging to RSS gang targeted Ambedkar statues which are a sign of self-respect for Dalits. This attack reflects that Brahmins and upper castes having Hindutva ideology do not want to give status of respectful human beings to Dalit community even in this modern era. Even though they have been provided reservation, representation, special act and other benefits, still they are not treated as humans. Dalits are victims of intellectual dishonesty of Indian ruling class who are mostly Brahmins and upper caste Hindus. This is the grave violation of human rights and civil liberties of Dalits. Police and the State failed in protecting the honour of Dalits. Government is equally responsible along with Hindutva elements for humiliating the Dalit community.

This committee expresses its grief and sorrow on damaging Ambedkar Statues and conveys its solidarity with Dalit community and appeals them to come out from the clutches of Hindutva fascism and protect their identity and dignity by resisting the forces that are always against them.

Civil Liberties Monitoring Committee Demands with the government:

1. Persons responsible for such nefarious activities should be arrested immediately.
2. Provide sufficient protection for Ambedkar statues.
3. Take Action against police officers who neglected their responsibility.
4. Withdraw the cases registered against the protesters.

Lateef Mohammed Khan
General Secretary