Sanand's Dalits change their display picture to a moustache! Why?
Sanand's 300 Dalit men have found a novel way to protest against the multiple attacks on Dalits in Gujarat by changing their WhatsApp display picture to a moustache logo. The logo comprises an image of a twirled moustache and a crown with Mr. Dalit written beneath it. Why have the attacks on Dalits increased? How have they reacted? Read on to know more.
Why are Dalits being attacked?
IE reports that Dalits are being attacked as the upper castes feel that keeping a moustache is only their prerogative and Dalits are being assaulted for sporting a moustache. In a separate incident, Jayesh Solanki was attacked by Patel youths for attending a garba event.
What were the incidents that triggered the novel protest?
Various assaults on Dalits led to this novel protest. On September 25, Piyush Parmar was allegedly assaulted by Rajputs for sporting a moustache in Limbodara. However, no arrests have been made. On September 29, Krunal Maheria, was allegedly beaten up by Bharatsinh Vaghela. Vaghela was subsequently arrested on Sunday. On October 3, a 17-year-old boy was allegedly stabbed and received seven stitches.
To protest these attacks, Dalits adopted the twirled moustache logo
Anirudh Solanki from Sanand told IE that the display picture is their "way of telling people that Dalits will sport a moustache and twirl it like a king without a care in the world." He asserted that more people were expected to join in changing their Facebook and WhatsApp display pictures. Meanwhile, Dalit activists have organized a protest outside the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.
