New Delhi, April 12: A number of Dalit organisations on Thursday asked the rendra Modi government to “restore” through an ordince the SC/ST Act that has been “diluted” by a Supreme Court order and withdrawal of cases filed against Dalit activists during the countrywide shutdown on April 2. Addressing a press conference here, they also announced to observe April 14 — the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar — as “Protect Constitution” day across the country. Those addressing the press meet included Ashok Bharti, advisor to the tiol Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations; Ramesh than of tiol Campaign on Dalit Human Rights; And Rao of All India Dalit Rights Federation; Srinivasa Rao of Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch; and Nirmal of Bharat Khet Mazdoor Union. “The government must bring an ordince to protect the sanctity of the SC/ST Act. Also, the cases against the Dalit activists who were implicated during the Bharat Bandh on April 2 must be withdrawn,” said Bharti. Accusing the rendra Modi government of not being “honest” vis-a-vis Dalit icon Bhimrao Ambedkar, the Dalit leaders said that the Bharatiya Jata Party (BJP)-led government could not use the past Congress governments’ iction or deliberate unwillingness to give the Dalits their due as an alibi to deny them their rights now. (IANS)