Articles by Prakash Louis

Dalits who have converted to Christianity find that not only are the benefits of reservation not extended to them in contravention of constitutional provisions but even the church and the non-dalit Christian community actively discriminate against them.

"Operation Jailbreak" carried out by the Maoists in Jehanabad brings many facts about Bihar, and indeed India, to the fore, among which are the caste question, violation of the minimum wages act and failure of land reforms.

The recent incidence of conflict involving members of the landowning caste of jats and the scheduled caste of â??ad-dharmis' in the Talhan village of Punjab is far from a typical case of caste violence or 'dalit oppression' frequently reported from other parts of India. Instead, it ought to be viewed as a case of 'dalit assertion' for equal rights and a share in the resources that belong commonly to the village and had so far been in the exclusive control of the locally dominant caste, the jats. Further, notwithstanding the rather peculiar and complex nature of the Talhan case, this could mark the beginning of a new phase in the history of caste relations in Punjab. Though the issues are varied, there seems to be an underlying pattern in several other cases of conflict being currently reported in the state.

The recent earthquake in Gujarat claimed thousands of lives, very many still unaccounted for. It was the army and several NGO groups who took the initiative in launching rescue and relief efforts. But on the government now lies the more onerous responsibility of reconstruction and rebuilding. This task of rebuilding a sustainable, stable future has also to be accomplished keeping in mind people's sentiments and the need to maintain transparency in all its dealings.

A semi-feudal society like Bihar gives rise to ruthless oppression, violent revolts and resistance. Private senas flourish in the atmosphere of lawlessness. The cycle of violence and counterviolence continues.