In a new fashion of protest that has been gaining momentum across India, Dalits in Uttar Pradesh have threatened to convert to Islam, if Hindus of other castes can't give them the respect they deserve. The latest protest came after people of the Valmiki community in Sambhal had to travel 15-20 km in order to get a shave or a hair cut.
Only a Muslim barber new to the village agreed to tend one man from the community, later refusing another Valmiki client on learning the customs of the village. A police complaint was issued following a brawl. Reports suggest barbers in the village have currently gone under the radar to avoid further trouble over the issue.
