17 individuals from Dalit community lose lives due to discriminatory practices in 14 years

May 24, Kathmandu: Despite long-standing advocacy for a more inclusive and just society, the Dalit community continues to suffer from social discrimination. Although the constitution and related laws provide rights to Dalits, justice remains elusive.

It has been 14 years since the Ethnic Discrimination and Untouchability (Crime and Punishment) Act came into effect, yet incidents of discrimination and untouchability persist.

During this time, 17 Dalit individuals have lost their lives due to inter-caste marriages and other forms of social discrimination, particularly related to untouchability, according to the Samata Foundation.

The individuals who were killed include Rajesh Nepali (Parbat), Rupmati Kumari Das (Morang), Nawaraj BK (Jajarkot), Manbire Sunar (Kalikot), Shiva Shankar Das (Saptari), Sete Damai (Dailekh), Jhuma BK (Taplejung), Sangita Pariyar (Tanahu), Ashmita Sarki (Jhapa), Laxmi Pariyar (Kavre), Ajit Mijar (Kavre), Shreya Sunar (Kaski), Mana Sarki (Kalikot), Ditiya Reshma Rasaili (Dhanusha), Maya BK (Kailali), Tikaram Nepali (Rukum), and Angira Pasi (Rupandehi), as reported by Foundation Chairman Dr. Madan Pariyar.

Under the Act, offenders face fines and jail time; however, many cases do not proceed to legal action. Chairman Pariyar noted that the police often display ignorance regarding the existing laws, opting for reconciliation instead of pursuing complaints and investigations. As a result, numerous inter-caste couples have been displaced.

Parshuram Ramtel, a leader of the CPN (Maoist Centre), stressed the need for the State to take the enforcement of the Act seriously. He remarked, “The country practices a federal democratic republic, but social justice has not been achieved.” He pointed out that the Dalit community, which constitutes 14 per cent of the total population, continues to live in profound injustice.