'Rein of terror' unleashed against Dalits in Punjab: Amarinder Singh

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh attacked the SAD government on Wednesday over the killing of a Dalit youth in Mansa, alleging that a "reign of terror" has been unleashed against the community in the state. "Dalits in the state are feeling extremely insecure and fear for their safety under the SAD rule," he said.

The former Chief Minister expressed shock and concern after a 20-year-old Dalit youth, who was allegedly involved in illegal liquor trade, was brutally killed and his leg chopped off allegedly by a rival group of liquor smugglers in the district. "With the state's liquor mafia being backed by the Akalis, the Badal government now stands completely exposed for its anti-Dalit policies," said the PPCC alleged citing some media reports.

"It is clear that these atrocities are being committed against Dalits in Punjab, particularly in the Malwa belt, by those having the patronage of the SAD leadership," Amarinder alleged. He also targeted the BJP, saying "it is a matter of shame as well as concern that BJP Punjab chief Vijay Sampla who is a Dalit himself continues to remain a mute spectator".

Punjab Congress leaders, meanwhile, alleged that there were several other instances of atrocities on Dalits in the state, including the fatal attack on Bhim Tank allegedly at liquor baron Shiv Lal Doda's farmhouse in Abohar. They also claimed that in Sangrur at least two dozen Dalit families have fled the village a week after upper caste landlords allegedly supported by local SAD leaders had targeted the community in Jalaur over the issue of cultivation of common land.