Kalaburagi, August 10, 2024 – The All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights organized a National Day of Prayer and Protest, uniting Christians and concerned citizens to demand justice and equality. The event focused on addressing religious discrimination and advocating for the extension of Scheduled Caste (SC) status to Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians.
Bishop Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, a prominent leader in the Christian community, delivered a powerful address before the District Commissioner (DC). He condemned the 1950 Presidential Order that has, for 75 years, denied SC Christians constitutional benefits. He emphasized the need to repeal this discriminatory order, which has since been amended to benefit Buddhists and Jains but continues to exclude Christians, Muslims, and other minority communities. Bishop Miranda also highlighted Justice Rangnath’s favorable report recommending SC benefits for Christians, a recommendation ignored by successive governments.
Fr. Stany Lobo read a memorandum that encapsulated the community’s grievances, demanding the repeal of the 1950 order and the extension of SC benefits to all marginalized groups. The event concluded with a prayer, symbolizing unity and a continued commitment to fight for justice.
This day was a significant step in the ongoing struggle for equality, underscoring the need for the government to address the long-standing discrimination against religious minorities in India.
