National United Christian Forum of Catholic Bishops Council of India (CBCI), National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) and Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI)
February 28, 2007
EFI News Flash
Subject: Demonstration against rejection of quota for Christian Dalits
The National United Christian Forum (NUCF) is organizing a rally on Saturday, March 3, 2007 as a public outcry against the National Commission for Schedule Castes against its recent rejection of the demand for reservation for Dalit Muslims and Christians on the ground that untouchability - the main criteria for reservation for the communities - was peculiar to the Hindu religion only.
In a recent letter to the National Commission for Schedule Castes, the archbishop of Delhi and the President of NUCF, Vincent M. Concessao wrote, ?The demand for equal rights of the Christians of Scheduled Caste Origin is a well known struggle going on for fifty six years. Once again we would like to urge the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the Central Government to extend Scheduled Caste Status to Christians of Schedule Caste Origin (Dalit Christians).?
By rejecting the demands of the Christian community, the Commission reflects the apathy of the government towards the plight of the Dalit.
NUCF urges concerned individuals in the vicinity of Delhi to gather at Jantar Mantar to show solidarity towards their Dalit brothers and sisters. Concerned individuals can also contact the address given below to register their protest against the rejection of demands.
Dr. Manmohan Singh Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Room No. 152, South Block, New Delhi, 110001 Phone: 011-23012312, Fax: 011- 23014255
The Chairman, Justice Ranganath Misra Commission National Commission for Religious & Linguistic Minorities, Gate No: 30, II Floor, Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, Lodhi Road, New Delhi- 110003 Phone: 011-24363923, Fax: 011-23467794
Public Rally against rejection of quota for Christian Dalits Venue: Jantar Mantar, New Delhi Date: March 3, 2007 Time: 11:00am ? 1:00pm
Rev. Richard Howell, Secretary, NUCF