We have alarming reports of the Hindu Shiv Sena in Punjab trying to divide the Dalits and using a section of them (Valmikis) to fight the Sikhs, though, a vast majority of the Dalitsare either neutral or with the Sikhs. Mazhabis, Valmikis converted to Sikhism, are mostly with the Sikhs. The S.S. says Neerja Chowdhury “is recruiting Valmiki Harijans because it has realized that Brahmins and Banias are not going to fight” the Sikhs. (Statesman, June 17). Already some Valmikis are killed fighting to save the Hindus. The upper castes, who kept our people out for centuries, have suddenly started wooing Dalits in Punjab not out of love but to use them in their war against the Sikhs. Remember what Babasahib Ambedkar said: “Dalits are not Hindus. Why should we fight on behalf of our Enemy?”
Article extracted from this publication >> August 15, 1986
