Una incident: Dalit writer from Gujarat to return his award

July 25, 2016 23:55

As a mark of protest against the thrashing of Dalit youths in Una, Amrutlal Makwana, a Dalit writer from Gujarat, today announced that he would return the award conferred on him by the state government, accusing the

administration of having no sympathy for the community.

Makwana told PTI he would return his award, including Rs 25,000 cash, to District Collector of Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

Makwana, a resident of Wadhwan town of Surendranagar district, said, "Such incidents are occurring in Gujarat on a regular basis but the government is not doing enough to ensure that Dalits get justice."

The 44-year-old writer, who has been associated with Congress, was conferred the 'Dasi Jeevan Shreshth Dalit Sahitya Kruti Award' for 2012-13 by Gujarat government for his work 'Kharapat Nu Dalit Lok Sahitya'. He was given Rs 25,000 cash along with a certificate and a shawl.

"What happened in Mota Samadhiyala village of Gir-Somnath district was ghastly and barbaric. Such atrocities on Dalits are condemnable and it shook me to the core. Sadly, such incidents are happening around us regularly," he said.

"Around 50 persons thrashed some Dalit youths but only 16 were arrested. Why are other people still roaming free? I doubt the government's intentions. I no longer have faith in this government. If the leaders do not have any sympathy for Dalits, there is no meaning in keeping such awards," he said.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Rift among INDIA partners triggers 3-way contests across Bengal

As the final five phases of polls draw closer, rift among Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) partners, Congress-Left combine and the Trinamool Congress, which are fighting separately has intensified, triggering a...

Factors that will guide the markets this week

The ongoing fourth quarter earnings season, global factors and macroeconomic data would guide the trends in the equity markets this week, analysts said. Markets would also take cues from trading activity of foreign investors,...

Blow for CSK! Pathirana returns to SL with hamstring injury

Matheesha Pathirana returned to Sri Lanka to recover from a hamstring injury.

WFI furious as Bajrang handed provisional suspension

Bajrang Punia has been handed a provisional suspension for refusing to give his sample for dope test during the recent trials.

Attack on IAF convoy: Several held, hunt on for terrorists

Additional Director General of Police, Jammu, Anand Jain and senior officers of the Army and intelligence agencies visited the ambush spot in the Surankote area. The Army also conducted aerial surveillance using a helicopter, they said.