SCs in Kashmir feel neglected

By Our Correspondent

Jammu,NOVEMBER 7: The Schedule Castes'(SC) political clout is increasing all over the country and it is evident from the fact that members of the communities are holding high political and government posts. But in Jammu and Kashmir the communities feel that their role has become negligible over the years.

Speaking to The Hindu Mr. Kuldip Sarangal, president of the All State Schedule Castes and Backward Classes Association, said, ``We have lost faith in all political parties and we will soon adopt a collective line of action. We won't like any party to take us for granted''.

In the Jammu region Schedule Castes constitute the single large group among Hindus - 31 per cent.Not one of them holds the post of a Cabinet minister or head of any political party.

Mr. Sarnagal recalls the National Conference regime from 1975 to 1977 when Scheduled Caste men headed two district units of the party. ``We had good representation in the provincial committee and offices. Now SCs hold no such positions'', he said. The Pradesh Congress Committee was also at one time headed by a Scheduled Caste member. Even in the BJP unit, no SC leader occupies any senior position.

It may be recalled that the SCs were the principal beneficiaries of Sheikh Abdullah's widely acclaimed land reforms in the early fifties under which, SC tillers became the owners of the land. Therefore the community had natural affinity for the party.

The seniormost SC leader in the ruling National Conference, Mr. Maheshwar Dadi, says, ``We supported Sheikh Abdullah in his times of adversity. There was a time when whosoever supported Sheikh Abdullah was branded a traitor. My colleagues, risking their lives, came to build a base for the party in the region when the present leadership was nowhere around. The party has done great injustice to the Scheduled Castes.'' He was candid in saying that the ruling party in the coming elections would pay a heavy price if they neglected its traditional vote bank.

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