Former face of Gujarat riots Ashok Parmar to join Dalit freedom march to Una

Ashok Bhavanbhai Parmar, who shot into the limelight for his involvement in the 2002 Gujarat riots, plans to join the Dalit Aazadi Koon (March for freedom).

TwoCircles.net reported that Parmar, alias Ashok Mochi, will join the Dalit pride march from Savarkundla on 11 August .

Also Read:Being a Dalit in Vibrant Gujarat: Ahmedabad's Mehul recounts the struggle

In what is one of the most recognised photos of the Hindu rioters from the 2002 violence, Parmar was photographed in Dudheshwar, with an iron rod in hand and screaming even as flames raged in the background. He was booked for rioting and arson in 2005 but was later given a clean chit.

Also Read: Una effect: Dalit rage forces Modi to take Gau Rakshaks by their horns

Parmar will join the march, which was flagged off in Ahmedabad on 5 August. The Azadi Koon will culminate on 15 August in Una, where four Dalit men were brutally thrashed by self-styled gau rakshaks last month.

Also Read: Una Dalit march: Meet the men taking on Gujarat's Hindutva brigade

The 400km yatra has also found support from across the globe. Protesters in Germany's Lower Saxony led demonstrations against the Una incident, the Times of India reported.