We Condemn the Shaileswory Temple Incident

We are once again shocked with the inhuman and barbaric crime committed on dalit community of Nepal. On the 17^th September, 2006, a group of people, who were entering the temple with the agreement among all 7 political parties, location administrative body of Nepal government, police officers, human rights organizations and journalists. Once they were returning from the temple, the dalits were attacked by, so called the upper caste. Many, including journalists and police officers were injured. Now, the dalits are leaving their homes in fear of more attacks.

Dalits are made untouchables for centuries and treated inhumanly. They have been forbidden to enter any temples even though they believe in the same god. They were entering the temple for a simple reason that they wanted to be treated equally in the society. They want the right to live a dignified life without humiliation. This is a very basic right for a human being. Once again, one more unacceptable crime has been committed by so called the upper castes.

This behavior towards dalits is totally unacceptable and we, NASO Community in Washington DC, USA, strongly condemn this atrocity. We demand a severe punishment to those who have committed this crime. Nepal Government should immediately form a body to investigate the incident. We demand a reasonable compensation to the victims of the incident.

We thank all the dalit organizations, activists, human rights organization and journalists who have supported dalits on this incident.

This kind of inhuman and barbaric crime will never be acceptable to any sensible human being.

September 19, 2006