JAMMU, AUGUST 14: The DOMA Confederation, representing Dalit, OBC, Minority and Adivasi communities of Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday staged a protest at the Jammu Press Club against the reported “purification” ritual conducted at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, following a public address by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
The Confederation alleged that on August 10, certain groups performed a havan and carried out a “purification” of the stage after Kharge, who is also Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, had addressed a gathering there on August 8.
Addressing the protest, DOMA Confederation J&K State President R.K. Kalsotra described the reported act as deeply disturbing and said such practices reinforce caste-based discrimination and undermine the dignity of constitutional values.
He alleged that attempts were being made to revive a discriminatory social mindset rooted in caste hierarchy and said the authorities must act firmly against any activity that promotes social exclusion or humiliation.
The Confederation demanded an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident and sought registration of an FIR against those responsible under the relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, if the allegations are established during investigation.
It also demanded strict legal action against those found guilty, maintaining that a strong response was necessary to prevent recurrence of such incidents and to uphold the principle of equality guaranteed by the Constitution.
Other speakers, including Ramesh Sarmal, Ashu Peter Mattoo, S. Harasis Kranti, Bansi Ch, Vijay Bhagat, Patshotam Lal, Devinder Singh, S. Surinder Singh and others, expressed concern over what they described as a growing manifestation of caste-based thinking.
They alleged that such incidents run contrary to the spirit of the Constitution and warned against any attempt to weaken constitutional safeguards relating to equality, dignity and social justice.
The speakers also referred to earlier reported instances of similar “purification” rituals following visits by prominent political leaders, including former Deputy Prime Minister Babu Jagjivan Ram and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, claiming that such episodes reflected a disturbing pattern of social prejudice.
The protesters urged the Government and law-enforcement agencies to examine the Haldwani incident seriously and take action in accordance with law. They warned that failure to act could create an impression that those allegedly responsible were being shielded.
The DOMA Confederation reiterated its commitment to defending constitutional values, social justice and the dignity of marginalised communities.
During the protest, participants carried placards and raised slogans in support of the Constitution, equality and social justice. They demanded an immediate inquiry into the Haldwani incident, legal action against those found responsible and stronger measures to prevent caste-based discrimination.
Among the slogans raised were appeals to “Save Constitution, Save Democracy”, “Casteism is a Crime”, “Stop Stage Purification”, and calls for unity among Dalit, OBC and Adivasi communities.
The Confederation maintained that incidents perceived as discriminatory should be addressed through lawful investigation, institutional accountability and a firm commitment to constitutional equality so that social harmony and mutual respect are protected.