Dalit communities are expected to protest on September 21 in Delhi for the release of activists who took to streets to campaign against the demolition of Sant Guru Ravidas temple in Tughlakabad. The protest will be called 'Sakaratmak Hastakshep' and will begin from Jantar Mantar and head towards Tughlakabad where the Ravidas Temple was demolished. The protests will take place exactly after a month where the demonstrations were staged.

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Dalit communities to protest 'Sakaratmak Hastakshep' on September 21

The organisers claim that the protest will focus on taking a more comprehensive approach, as it was originally an ad hoc movement representing Dalit bodies, which came together to stage a demonstration against the demolition. "Since police arrested nearly 100 people, we have become more organised to channel our efforts toward seeking the release of our young boys as well as seeking the restoration of our ancient temple," Ashok Bharti, an activist, reportedly said.

Read | Dalits Hit Delhi Streets Against Demolition Of 'Ravidas Mandir'

An activist, Ashok Bharati, told a news publication, that thousands of people have been called in to protest for the release of Dalit community members who were arrested in the aftermath of the August 21 demonstrations. They are also hopeful of having all charges dropped against them in this case. Bharati also reportedly said that Ravidas deras and spiritual group have promised support in Punjab and Haryana, with more Dalit deras likely to join. He said the group has become 'institutionalised' and has legal and mobilisation cells now.

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The Controversy 

On August 10, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) demolished centuries-old Sant Ravidas temple in Tughlakabad, Delhi under a Supreme court order. The DDA claimed that the temple was built on illegal land. However, protestors say otherwise and demanded the government hand over the plot and rebuild the temple in Tughlakabad. On August 21, Dalits from various parts of the country hit the streets of the city on Wednesday, to protest the demolition of Sant Guru Ravidas Mandir in the national capital, chanting 'Jai Bhim'.

The movement took a political turn, as political leaders demanded the temple be reconstructed at the demolished place. BJP leader and former Union minister Vijay Goel criticised  Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for allegedly politicising the issue. Goel said he held a meeting with community leaders recently and offered them a solution, but the AAP is continuing to politicise the issue. "I have proposed that the temple be built at an alternative place after the approval of the Supreme Court. If they agree, we will take the matter up with the DDA," he said.

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