New Delhi, Sept. 2 -- A meeting of SC/ST Members of Parliament was held in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss the reported act of "purification" following the visit of Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to Uttarakhand's Haldwani, according to a press note.

The members strongly condemned the reported purification ritual, observing that such an act was deeply objectionable and contrary to constitutional principles of equality, dignity and abolition of untouchability.

The members expressed the view that the matter went beyond an insult to Kharge individually and concerned the dignity and self-respect of the entire SC/ST community.

The press note further stated that it was unanimously decided that the matter would be pursue...