Date:28/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/28/stories/2007122859031300.htm

New Delhi

Dalit forum to hold meet in New York

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: The Dalit and Minority International Forum will organise a three-day global conference in New York from July 8 next to discuss the problems of Dalits and minorities in India as well as in other countries, Forum’s chairman and Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Steel Ram Vilas Paswan said here on Thursday.

The focus of the international conference will also be on promoting interaction and cooperation among various dalit and minority groups, which constitute more than 40 per cent population of India, and to strengthen their cause of justice and equality, he said at a press conference.

“We will also invite representatives from Dalit and minority forums spread in other countries, besides urging underprivileged sections from other nations to participate in the international conference,” he added.

Conferences

Stating that at least six State conferences will be organised in different parts of the country to garner support for the conference and discuss issues confronting them, he said: “The Forum is of the firm view that only forces of secularism and social justice can fight communalism, and all Dalits, minorities and weaker sections should unite against the menace as they are the most vulnerable groups.”