What Dalit human right was protected by killing morning walker Sivaprasad at Varkala?

By O.J.George

That DGP Jacob Punnoose himself descended down Varkala to take stock of the extremist attack on morning walker Sivaprasad seemed to be worthy of attracting importance.

People of ordinary living should introspect what Dalit human rights could be enforced by doing away with the life of a commoner, Sivaprasad of Varkala, who was strolling along the road early morning, apparently because he had to do some exercise for a diabetic condition.

There has been no reason attached to the cold-blooded murder of this ordinary being. Reports say his umbrella and watch were snatched away by some hooligans two years ago as he was having his morning walk.

According to initial reports, the cowardly act was done by activists of Dalit Human Rights Movement.

We have heard about sensible agitations launched by various Dalit organizations for securing various rights, including temple entry rights. Forward caste leaders had also joined hands with Dalits in securing such rights.

There can be demand for job reservation, right to life and property, dispensing with discrimination and the like.

But what is this dastardly act? This was nothing but a goonda act to scare away people from the mainstream of life. They chose a hapless family for attracting attention on their God-forsaken ideology. But then is it an ideology?

The Chief Minister and the Home Minister should have visited the family of Sivaprasad to console them. Compensation should be paid to the family in good measure so that the next of kin do not suffer misery on account of the loss of the head of the family.

Opposition Leader Oommen Chandy has visited the place and comforted the family. The Government need not stand on ceremony but readily oblige to offer succour to the family.

Two activists have been rounded up and remanded to custody for two weeks. It has to be probed whether they have direct involvement or whether they had any role in commissioning this job.

Society is permeated with perverted ideas and politics that have no relevance in a civilized society. The condition of the Dalits should definitely improve, but their condition in Kerala is far better than in places ruled by their own leaders like Mayawati.

Improvement should be worked out not like this, but with sensible projections by far-sighted leaders.