DALIT RIGHTS IN INDIA

Early day motion 491, tabled 8 March 2000 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 78 members.

That this House deplores the ongoing campaign of violent discrimination against the Dalits, who are born into the bottom of India's caste system; supports the Indian Government's continuing efforts to end caste discrimination through legislative initiatives such as the Prevention of Atrocities Act; expresses its concern at the apparent inability of the Indian judiciary to deal effectively with high-caste militia violence aimed specifically against Dalits, such as the Laxampur-Bathe massacre of 1st December 1997 which left 61 adults and children dead; urges the British Government to support the political and social development of the Dalit people through focused development programmes and closer contact with the Indian authorities; and welcomes the excellent contribution to this human rights campaign by the International Dalit Solidarity Network.

Signatures by party: Labour 53, Conservative 6, Liberal Democrat 6, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 3, UUP 3, Independent 1, Independent Labour 1, Scottish National Party 1, UKUP 1.