For the oppressed Valmiki Dalits in Jammu and Kashmir, the abrogation of Article 370 had brought freedom and domicile status. For the first time in three generations, they became eligible for government jobs. However, one year on, Valmikis await a government package to uplift them out of decades-old state-approved slavery.

We need a quota for jobs and education, to make a beginning. Domicile certificate has arrived, we are now formally residents of J&K. But the start is not as easy. Reservation may benefit us to prepare for future opportunities, said Eklavya, a graduate and law aspirant.

Eklavya had given up on his dream of becoming a lawyer, after realising that the lack of domicile status will bar him from pursuing legal practice.

Despite my graduation degree, I am employed as an assistant at a university. I deserve a better chance at employment, he observed.

HOPE AFTER FREEDOM FROM OPPRESSION

When India Today TV met with the community in August 2019 in Jammu, members were teary-eyed and thankful. Distributing sweets, they had shared hope of watching their children pursue dreams.

Most Valmikis, brought to J&K from Punjab in 1957 to clean streets, were restricted to odd jobs including sanitation. They were not provided Permanent Resident Certificate despite political assurances amid special status.

Due to the failed promises, even three generations later, the community struggled for a job opportunity, that is, until Jammu and Kashmir's special status was revoked and they were granted domicile status.

Also read | J&K starts issuing domicile certificates; suffering finally ends, says Valmiki community

Aware about recommendations sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding the need for additional compensation, community leader Gharu Bhatti said they hope for a positive outcome.

We met Lieutenant Governor (LG) Murmu on May 23 and requested for compensation like announced for refugees. We deserve to be compensated to recover from the past 63 years. Many of our youth are already over-age for government jobs. We hope that the government will at least announce reservation in jobs for Valmiki Dalits, just like 4 per cent reservation announced for International Border residents," Gharu Bhatti said.

UNCERTAIN FUTURE

Radhika has spent her young life with broken dreams. She trained hard to join the Border Security Force (BSF) and cleared the initial examination. However, her name was rejected due to Article 35A, that denied resident status required for government employment in J&K.

Heartbroken, she had quit her studies and gave up on the dream.

I have received the domicile certificate and can now apply for jobs. That is a huge relief. But I am not sure, anymore. I did not have the heart to resume studies, after facing dejection, for no fault of mine, she said.

Radhika is contemplating graduation in physical education, till then, she will work with a private company.

Radhikas hope is to bring her father out of despair, who still works as a sanitation worker. Famished but hopeful, the man had accompanied her to the examination centre but was left in tears when told her name got rejected due to Article 35A.

GROUSE AGAINST POLITICIANS

No local politician has yet approached the community to discuss a further plan or hinted at a special package, according to community members. Despite Home Minister Amit Shah mentioning their story in the public domain, Valmiki Dalits await further political interest, expected from J&K-based leaders.

Most youngsters have started to apply for employment opportunities, anticipating to be the first in three generations to get a chance at a brighter future. They hope not to be relegated to cleaning sewers, anymore. But they need the government's help to do break the cycle.

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Anniversary of Article 370 abrogation: One year on, Valmiki Dalits in J&K await government package - India Today