Mangalore, Dec 7: Demanding a ban on the inhuman practice of 'made-snana', Karnataka State Backward Classes Awareness Forum and other like-minded organisations staged a day-long hunger strike in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office here on Saturday.
“Instances such as casteism and made-snana tarnish the state of Karnataka which saw saints like Basava and Kanaka who preached equality among people. The practice of 'made snana' encouraged by casteists and purohits is a huge insult to the entire human race. It is disgusting that Dalits are made to roll over leftovers left by others,” said Swami Basavaraja Devaru of Revana Siddeshwara Mutt, Mansur, who took part in the hunger strike.
Lashing out against the arrogance of the priests who continued to practise made snana inspite of protests, he said that legal action should be taken against those who encouraged made-snana. Purohitshahis who indulge in casteism and untouchability should be given capital punishment, he said, speaking to mediapersons.
He said that Siddaramaiah had assured to prohibit the practice before becoming the chief minister of the state, but so far had not done so. The Supreme Court should intervene and abolish this practice, he said.
Participating in the hunger strike, Swami Rachoti Shivacharya of Bettapura Shakha Mutt, Mysore also expressed similar views.
President of Karnataka State Backward Classes Awareness Forum K S Shivaram said that he had been fighting against made-snana from the past four years, and would continue to protest against it till it was banned. Staging such as inhuman practice in the name of religion and tradition is revolting and awareness should be created in this regard, he said, urging CM Siddaramaiah to abolish the practice.
DYFI president Muneer Katipalla, Jayanand Devadiga, A K Bhandary, Anand Deadiga, Hameed Kandak, Vijay Kanchan, K Monappa, A H Krishnegowda, Shashidhar Sangapura and K Shekhar also participated in the hunger strike.
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