‘Cockroaches Don’t Die’: How a Dalit Student Built India’s Most Disruptive Gen Z Political Movement
When India’s Chief Justice called unemployed youth “cockroaches,” Abhijeet Dipke turned the insult into a movement. Two months later, the 30-year-old Boston University graduate leads what may be the most significant street protests against Narendra Modi since he came to power in 2014. Revolt of the Roaches: How India’s Most Significant Student Uprising in a Generation Came to Be On May 16, 2026, a 30-year-old political communications strategist sitting in Chicago typed six words on X — or something close to that number — in a moment of frustration, and posted them into the void of Indian social media. The frustration had a specific origin. One day earlier, on May 15, India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant had made remarks during a court hearing that were widely reported as comparing unemployed Indian youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites of society.” The Chief Justice later said his comments had been misconstrued by the media. But the damage — or, depending on your perspective, the spark — had already been struck. Abhijeet Dipke, the man who typed those six words, was not the kind of person the Indian establishment had learned to fear. He was a Dalit from Aurangabad — a city in Maharashtra that has since been officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar — the son of a man who grew up in extreme poverty and whose own father was just a farmer. He had a journalism degree from Pune and a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University. He had worked for three years on the Aam Aadmi Party’s social media and election campaign team before moving to the United States to study. He did not hold elected office, command organizational resources, or control a media platform. What he had was a phone, a social media account, and a clarity of purpose that the moment seemed to demand. GeographicReference He announced the founding of the Cockroach Janta Party — CJP, a deliberate echo of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party’s initials — on May 16, 2026, as a satirical response to the Chief Justice’s remarks. The name was the point: if the powerful called India’s unemployed young people cockroaches, then cockroaches they would be. The party’s slogan — “Voice of the Lazy and Unemployed” — was both self-deprecating and precise. Its founding document described itself as “a political front for the youth, by the youth, for the youth.” What happened next surprised even Dipke. Lakhs of people registered on the party’s website within days. On Instagram, the CJP account accumulated nearly 22 million followers — more than twice the follower count of the BJP’s own Instagram presence, as NPR reported. The satirical party had, in the space of weeks, become something more than satire. The Dalit From Aurangabad: A Biography Written in Caste To understand what Abhijeet Dipke represents — and why the movement he has built carries the specific charge that it does — you have to understand where he comes from. He was born on September 29, 1995, in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, into a Dalit family, as Reuters documented in a detailed profile published July 23, 2026. His family originally traces its ancestral roots to the rural village of Santuk Pimpri in the Hingoli district, before relocating to the MIDC Waluj area of the city following his father’s employment with the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, as BiographyKind’s documented account noted. “My father comes from a very humble background. He grew up in extreme poverty. My grandfather was just a farmer,” Dipke told Reuters in a phone interview from Chicago in May. The family’s trajectory — from subsistence farming in rural Hingoli to an industrial township in Aurangabad to, eventually, a Boston University graduate school — is precisely the kind of upward mobility that post-independence India promised and that, Dipke argues, has become increasingly difficult to achieve. GeographicReference His Dalit identity has not been incidental to his politics. When he arrived in Delhi on June 6, 2026, to lead his first in-person protest, he held aloft a copy of “My Autobiography” by B.R. Ambedkar — the Dalit jurist, economist, and social reformer who drafted India’s Constitution and who remains the defining hero of Dalit political consciousness in modern India, as Reuters documented. The gesture was not accidental. Ambedkar’s life — born into caste oppression, educated abroad, returned to India to demand constitutional rights for the most marginalized — maps onto Dipke’s own trajectory in ways he has made explicit. The Ambedkar connection carries an additional resonance specific to the current moment. Aurangabad sits in the shadow of the Maratha empire’s history and of Ambedkar’s own Maharashtrian roots. Dipke’s city is Ambedkar’s country. And when the Chief Justice of India called unemployed youth cockroaches, a Dalit man from that city was among those who heard the insult most clearly. His caste identity also made him a target as soon as he went public. The Print documented that Dipke faced casteist attacks on social media after he revealed he was Dalit — a pattern that his supporters recognized as consistent with the treatment of Dalit activists and commentators across Indian public life. When a woman threw blue ink at him as he was addressing supporters, smearing his face — in a protest gesture, later explained as an accusation that the CJP had insulted Lord Ram — Dipke posted a video of the incident with the caption “The blue is my color,” as Reuters documented. The reference was unmistakable: blue is the color closely associated with the Ambedkarite movement. GeographicReference Boston, the AAP, and the Making of a Political Strategist Dipke’s route from Aurangabad to the barricades at Jantar Mantar runs through Pune, Boston, and a three-year stint with one of India’s most media-savvy political parties. He completed his undergraduate degree in journalism in Pune before moving to the United States for graduate school. At Boston University — one of the country’s leading communications and public affairs programs — he earned a Master of Science in Public Relations. That academic background, as the Young India biographical account
Barnala Incident Reflects Bhagwant Mann Government’s Anti-Dalit Mindset; Arrest the Accused Immediately: Paramjit Singh Kainth
CHANDIGARH: Paramjit Singh Kainth, Vice President of the BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha, Punjab, strongly condemned the incident involving sanitation workers in Barnala, stating that it reflects the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab and the Bhagwant Mann government’s alleged insensitivity towards the Dalit community. He alleged that the police action against protesting sanitation workers was carried out under political pressure, which is contrary to democratic rights and the principles of social justice. Kainth said that the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis taking suo motu cognizance of the matter and seeking a report from the Punjab Government is a clear indication of the state’s failure to protect the rights and dignity of sanitation workers. He demanded the immediate arrest of all those responsible, a fair and impartial investigation, and adequate security, appropriate compensation, and legal assistance for the affected sanitation workers. He warned that if the government fails to take prompt action, the BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha will launch a statewide democratic and constitutional agitation across Punjab in support of justice for the affected sanitation workers. Courtesy : Punjab News Express Note: This news is originally published on https:/punjabnewsexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kharge asks PM to address Parliament on paper leaks, not deliver ‘one-sided Mann Ki Baat’
Kharge’s remarks came after Modi, in a video message on Thursday night, said the Union Cabinet would discuss the proposed legislation on Friday before introducing it in Parliament next week. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should address Parliament on the paper leaks issue instead of making a “one-sided Mann Ki Baat” outside the House. Kharge’s remarks came after Modi, in a video message on Thursday night, said the Union Cabinet would discuss the proposed legislation on Friday before introducing it in Parliament next week. Reacting to the announcement, Kharge said, “Before coming to Parliament today, please dismiss Dharmendra Pradhan. First, apologise to the students and take strict action against those who ordered the use of batons and pellet guns to suppress the students’ voices. Then we are ready for a detailed discussion on the education system.” “When Parliament is in session, the prime minister is required to make a statement on the floor of the House. He should not be delivering a one-sided ‘Mann Ki Baat’ outside Parliament,” the Congress chief said in a post in Hindi on X. In his address on Thursday, Modi said the Cabinet would deliberate on the proposed law before finalising its provisions. “On Monday, when the second week of the Monsoon session of Parliament will begin, a bill will be brought with provisions for strong action against paper leaks and we will try to pass it as early as possible,” he said. The prime minister acknowledged that paper leaks had deeply affected lakhs of students and their families and said the government had acted swiftly after allegations of the NEET paper leak surfaced over two months ago. “The guilty have been caught. They are now in jail. Our most significant responsibility was to ensure that the students did not lose a year. It was necessary to hold the examination immediately. By using all resources, the government ensured that 22 lakh students could attend the retest,” Modi said. Soon after the PM’s address, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised him for not addressing demands for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, saying Modi should not insult the intelligence of students with a “pathetic midnight video”. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
No Parliament business, four days into monsoon session
NEW DELHI: If the first four days are any indication, monsoon session of Parliament is staring at a washout, with the opposition digging in its heels over its demand for resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, rebuffing invitations from govt for a discussion, reports Subodh Ghildiyal. Amid protests, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha failed to transact business for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday. The stalemate could not be broken despite Speaker Om Birla meeting Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and Supriya Sule to defuse the situation. Home minister Amit Shah and parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju also met Birla. Opposition MPs took out a ‘candlelight march’ Thursday to the Gandhi Smriti in solidarity with the protesting students, two days after they held a dharna outside the PM’s residence and were forcibly evacuated by police. The MPs belonging to Congress, SP, TMC, Left parties, RJD, Shiv Sena and others met at Rahul Gandhi’s residence. From there, they marched to the Gandhi Smriti holding their phone torches. The marchers included Rahul, K C Venugopal, Ramjilal Suman, Supriya Sule, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, N K Premachandran, John Brittas, Sandosh Kumar, Sudhakar Singh, Misa Bharti, Arvind Sawant, Saugata Roy and Mahua Moitra. Rahul said, “We go to remember the students we lost – the children driven to take their own lives after the NEET paper leak. And we go to stand with the students who lie injured today – beaten for peacefully demanding justice and accountability. India’s students are not alone. The entire opposition stands with them and their demands.” Congress’s P Chidambaram said, “All roads are barricaded, and hundreds of policemen are mobilised to ‘secure’ the roads of Delhi. What is govt afraid of? Why this sense of panic?” Earlier, Congress rubbished PM Modi’s statement assuring the protesting youth. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the students don’t need platitudes after govt used pellet guns, shock batons and tear gas on them. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Don’t insult students’ intelligence’: Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi’s midnight video on paper leaks
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi early Friday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of sidestepping the demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Reacting to the Prime Minister’s late-night video message on the issue, Rahul said PM Modi should not “insult the intelligence” of students and demanded Pradhan be sacked saying the PM’s address failed to raise students’ key concerns. In a post on X, Rahul wrote, “Mr Modi, our students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Don’t insult their intelligence with this pathetic midnight video.” Listing his demands, he said: “1. Sack Pradhan.2. Punish those who beat students. Apologise.” — RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) The leader of oppostion’s remarks came hours after Prime Minister Modi announced that the government would bring a Bill in Parliament next week providing for stringent punishment against those involved in examination paper leaks. In a self-recorded video shared on X late Thursday night, the Prime Minister said the proposed legislation, which includes provisions for Fast-Track Courts and stricter penalties, would be discussed by the Union Cabinet on Friday before being introduced in Parliament when the second week of the Monsoon Session begins on Monday. “Friends, I know that paper leaks are not an ordinary matter. For lakhs of students and their parents, it is extremely painful,” PM Modi said. “Our most important responsibility was to ensure that a whole year for the students is not wasted. It was very important to conduct the exams immediately. The government used its full strength to arrange exams for nearly 22 lakh students in the shortest possible time. And just five or six days ago, on the 19th, the results were also announced,” he said. The Prime Minister said the government was now moving towards stronger legal action. “Today I have issued directions to the departments to set up Fast-Track Courts. The departments worked tirelessly and, late last night, provided me with a draft. This draft, which includes provisions for Fast-Track Courts and stringent punishments, will be discussed in the Cabinet tomorrow,” he said. He added that after incorporating suggestions from Cabinet colleagues, the Bill would be finalised and introduced in Parliament next week. “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” PM Modi said. The opposition has been demanding Pradhan’s resignation and a detailed discussion on the alleged NEET-UG paper leak during the Monsoon Session, with the issue triggering protests both inside Parliament and on the streets. Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Friday at Medanta Hospital in the presence of Union ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh, along with senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh. In a post on X, Wangchuk said he decided to end the fast after prolonged discussions and in view of the possibility of violence. “Just now in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda & Dr. Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh I finally broke my fast after 26 days… This was done after a long negotiation on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country,” he said. “I will explain the conditions in detail in a separate video very soon. Meanwhile urge you all to stay very vigilant about not allowing violence of any kind anywhere,” he added. Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has called for nationwide peaceful protests on Friday, reiterating its demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the alleged examination irregularities. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi’s protest outside PM house ‘insincere’: Sonam Wangchuk’s wife
NEW DELHI: Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, has criticised the flash protest led by Congress neta Rahul Gandhi near PM Narendra Modi’s residence on July 21 as “insincere”. “The protest outside the PM’s house lacked sincerity. It would have been more sincere if it had been done by joining hands at Jantar Mantar. So, the public cannot be fooled anymore. This is an awakened India,” Angmo told India Today in an interview. “The awakened India movement has shown us and shown every political functionary that they now have to walk the talk. They cannot gaslight or be insincere anymore. They have to be sincere, otherwise, they will be thrown out by this young generation that has understood what they have to do and what they have to stand for…” Her remarks came two days after Rahul and other senior netas staged a sit-in near the PM’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg over the crackdown on student protesters during their march towards Parliament on July 20. Taking on BJP, Angmo said, “I am very ashamed to say that BJP calls itself a Hindu nationalist party. Because there is nothing about them that is Hindu, and there’s nothing about them that is nationalistic,” she was quoted as saying. “Everybody was there for a cause. That was a demonstration of what Hinduism is. Obstruction of justice, obstruction of freedom, obstruction of protest and terming youths as anti-nationals – this is not nationalism,” she said. In an X post, Angmo, who is the co-founder of Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), said, “As an educator, I find it deeply painful to watch the image of our students being tarnished on media… The students’ protest is taking place peacefully at Jantar Mantar. If there are reports of violence elsewhere in Delhi, please do not rush to attribute them to this movement without evidence.” She added, “Our children deserve to be protected, not portrayed as villains. Their voices deserve to be heard, not drowned out by narratives that serve vested interests.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Students call for statewide bandh on July 24 in Telangana
Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad on Thursday, representatives of the student organisations alleged that repeated failures in the examination system had pushed the education sector into a crisis. HYDERABAD: A joint forum of student organisations has called for a statewide bandh of educational institutions across Telangana on July 24, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the NEET examination and repeated paper leak controversies. The bandh call has been issued by the Telangana state units of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), All India Students’ Federation (AISF), National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Progressive Democratic Students Union (PDSU), All India Forum for Democratic Students (AIFDS), All India Students Bloc (AISB), and All India Progressive Students Union (AIPSU). Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad on Thursday, representatives of the student organisations alleged that repeated failures in the examination system had pushed the education sector into a crisis. They demanded that National Testing Agency (NTA) be scrapped. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
“PM has caused the most damage to the future of the youth,” Rahul Gandhi counters PM Modi’s statement on the paper leak.
Rahul Gandhi, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on the student protests, accused the government of weakening the education system. He also accused the PM of harming the future of students. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave his first public response to the ongoing student protests at Jantar Mantar and the paper leak issue by writing on X. He stated on X that the welfare and future of the youth are his top priority. He also called for the establishment of fast-track courts for paper leak cases and strict punishment for the culprits. Rahul Gandhi sharply responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement via the social media platform X. Rahul Gandhi, responding on X, directly attacked the government. He stated that the Prime Minister and his government have caused the most damage to the future of the youth. He alleged that the government allowed the education system to weaken and protected those responsible for this. Rahul Gandhi’s response to the PM’s statement Rahul Gandhi wrote, “You have caused the greatest harm to the future of our youth. You not only allowed the complete takeover and destruction of our education system, but also encouraged it. You protected everyone responsible for it.” Reiterates Students’ Three Demands Rahul Gandhi said that the students’ demands are clear. He reiterated three demands: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should be removed from his post. An apology should be issued to the students. Action should be taken against those who committed violence against students. What did PM Modi say? Prime Minister Modi wrote on X that the interests and future of the youth are of paramount importance. He said that fast-track courts will be set up to expedite the hearing of paper leak cases. The concerned officials have been instructed to take necessary action and those who tamper with the future of the youth will not be spared. Curated by: Tina About the Author Tina works as a consultant at Navbharat Times Online and is in the process of establishing her identity in the world of digital journalism. Currently, she actively covers national, crime, jungle news, good news, and local news. Additionally, she works with NBT’s social media team to deliver impactful and reliable content to users on digital platforms. Courtesy: Hindi News
PM Modi announces fast-track courts for paper leak cases; Rahul, CJP hit back: 10 developments
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the Centre will set up fast-track courts to ensure “swift and stringent punishment” for those involved in examination paper leaks. In a post on X, PM Modi said the government had directed the concerned authorities to take all necessary steps to safeguard students’ interests, asserting that those responsible for compromising the future of the country’s youth “will not be spared”. The announcement triggered sharp response from the opposition with Congress dismissing it as inadequate and reiterating its demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Here are the 10 key developments: PM Modi announces fast-track courts PM Modi said the Centre would establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and strict punishment in paper leak cases. Announcing the move on X, he said, “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.” Rahul Gandhi says PM ‘harmed the future of our youth’ Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi rejected the Prime Minister’s announcement, accusing the government of presiding over the collapse of the education system. In a post on X, he wrote: “You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most. You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system–and protected every person responsible for it.” Rahul Gandhi also reiterated the Opposition’s three demands — the immediate dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to students and action against those responsible for alleged police excesses during the protests. PM will ensure that no culprit is spared: BJP President Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement, BJP President Nitin Nabin reiterated the government’s commitment to accountability. He said, “The Prime Minister has stated before and continues to state that he is prepared to investigate every issue. He will introduce fast-track courts to ensure that those responsible face action. He will ensure that no culprit is spared. The nation and the world know that Narendra Modi’s resolution means achieving it.” Protests disrupt Parliament MPs from both the NDA and the INDIA bloc staged protests opposite each other at Makar Dwar within the Parliament premises in Delhi. The uproar continued inside the Lok Sabha, where proceedings were adjourned until 12 noon following loud protests by Opposition MPs. Delhi HC to hear plea seeking NIA probe into ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest The Delhi high court will hear on Friday a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” protest over the alleged NEET paper leak. The matter was mentioned before a Bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia. Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Barun Kumar Sinha sought an urgent hearing, following which the court agreed to list the case for Friday. The PIL also seeks the transfer of all Delhi Police FIRs related to the protest to a specialised investigating agency and action against those allegedly involved in the violence. 16 Delhi Metro stations shut amid CJP protests Sixteen Delhi Metro stations were closed from 7.30am on Thursday until further notice as security was tightened amid Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests in the national capital. According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), entry and exit have been suspended at stations including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House and Lok Kalyan Marg, although interchange facilities remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat. “Service Update: The below-mentioned Metro stations will be closed from 07:30 AM till further instructions. However, interchange facilities shall remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat,” the DMRC said on X. Delhi Police confirms personnel were targeted during CJP protest after viral CCTV footage Delhi Police on Thursday confirmed that police officers and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were targeted during the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest on July 20, after CCTV footage of the violence went viral on social media. Police said the video, which they confirmed was authentic, showed protesters pelting stones and vandalising property, including smashing glass windows at shops and a petrol pump. The clashes left more than 118 police personnel, including several senior officers and women officers, injured, while around 60 protesters were also hurt. Dharmendra Pradhan must resign: CJP The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) PM Modi’s announcement on fast-track courts did not address accountability and reiterated its demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke shared an image of Pradhan captioned, “Hi, my name is nothing”, while the party posted, “Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign.” CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said, “The first thing is that it is good that after one-and-a-half months of protests, the prime minister has finally taken notice. Perhaps his foreign visits are over and he has returned to India, which is a good thing.” He added, “But what punishment are you imposing after the paper leak has already taken place? That is not going to solve the problem of paper leaks. The real question is why paper leaks are happening in the first place. That question must be answered.” Clashes erupt at Jantar Mantar, six police personnel injured On Wednesday night, fresh clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel at Jantar Mantar, with police firing tear gas shells and carrying out a baton charge to disperse the crowd. At least six police personnel, including two ACP-rank officers, were injured in separate incidents of alleged stone-pelting, according to police sources. Authorities said “anti-social” elements had infiltrated the protest, escalating tensions and attacking security personnel. Internet jammers were later activated in parts of central Delhi as security was tightened. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is
NGO urges TN CM to take steps to end caste discrimination in churches, cemeteries
The NGO appealed to the Catholic church leadership to implement a uniform policy of common churches, cemeteries, and equal worship practices, irrespective of caste. MADURAI: Evidence, an NGO working for Dalit rights, urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to ensure that there is no caste discrimination in churches, cemeteries, and other Christian places of worship in Tamil Nadu. It also appealed to the Catholic church leadership to implement a uniform policy of common churches, cemeteries, and equal worship practices, irrespective of caste. Evidence executive director A Kathir on Wednesday released its fact-finding report on the alleged denial of burial rights to Raju (89), a Dalit Christian, whose body was initially not allowed to be buried in the common cemetery at Thuraiyur in Tiruchy. He alleged that Kottappalayam in Thuraiyur continues to have separate churches and burial grounds for caste Christians and Dalit Christians. The Dalit Christian cemetery, measuring about 10 cents, has been in use for over a century and faces severe space constraints, while the common cemetery is much larger, around three acres, and better maintained. “A peace meeting chaired by the Musiri RDO Sushree Suvangi Khuntia on July 19 resulted in an agreement that Raju would be buried in the common cemetery. Officials also decided that funeral prayers should be conducted only at St. Sebastian’s Church in the Dalit Christian locality instead of the village’s St. Mary Magdalene Shrine, describing the arrangement as another instance of caste-based discrimination,” he pointed out. He also reiterated its demand that the state government urge the Union government to include Dalit Christians in the Scheduled Caste list, stating that the denial of constitutional benefits to Dalit Christians remains a longstanding issue. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights