The 167 million “untouchable’ Dalits of India continue to face widespread abuse and discrimination with little hope for their human rights, according to the Dalit Network. This abuse and neglect has happened for 3,000 years as the rest of India view them “only to be slaves, to be broken and crushed.”

In Chandigarh, a 21-year-old Dalit female college student was gang-raped a second time by men who were on bail from their first attack three years ago. The attackers are pressing the Dalit family for an out-of-court settlement.

In another incident, eight people attacked two adult Dalit men as they were skinning a cow, accusing the men of having stolen the cow.

“No one aspires to be a cow-skinner,” said one of the victims. “It is imposed upon us by the caste system. But now, we are thrashed even for that. If we don’t act now, we will be encouraging our suppressors.”

The government regularly denies Dalits access to health care and educational services, making it virtually impossible to gain marketable skills.

Pray for that the Dalit human rights movement will lead to breakthroughs for India’s “untouchables.”

The Hindu: Two Dalits thrashed while skinning dead cow

The New Indian Express: Rapists on bail rape Haryana Dalit woman again

Hindustan Times: Dalits head for Una to attend mega rally against atrocities

Dalit Freedom Network: Who Are the Dalits?