Karnataka
Dalits of Saligrama suffer as boycott continues
Muralidhara Khajane
MYSORE: Despite repeated appeals to the State Government, the Dalits
of Saligrama village of K.R. Nagar taluk remain ostracised by 'caste'
Hindus for a trivial reason.
The Dalits are now becoming anxious as the social boycott cost them their jobs.
According to Srinivas, president, Bahujana Hitarakshana Vedike, "We
were earning Rs. 150 to Rs. 200 a day by working in the village; now
we are forced to trek 8 to 10 km to earn Rs. 50.
Authorities who promised to provide work under the Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act have nothing to offer us," he
said.
Saligrama has a population of nearly 10,000 and Dalits make up 2,000.
The immediate cause for the social boycott was a silly reason.
According to the Dalits, cattle belonging to 'caste' Hindus were found
grazing on land belonging to Govindaraju, a Dalit. When Govindaraju
objected to it, he was assaulted. Govindaraju filed a complaint with
the police and sought protection. This led to the Dalits being
ostracised since September 26.
Apathy
Meanwhile, Adaguru H. Vishwanath, MP, has taken exception to the
apathy of the district authorities and district in-charge Minister S.
Ramdas in finding a solution to the problems being faced by the
Dalits.
He appealed to Mr. Ramdas to help the hapless Dalits and provide them
an opportunity to live with dignity.
Commissioner, Department of Social Welfare, Manjunatha Prasad, visited
the village three weeks ago and promised to ensure justice. But
nothing has been done so far.
Regretting the apathy of the Government in addressing the issue, DSS
leader Bettaiah Kote said the BJP Government was pushing the community
backward, instead of working for its uplift, by supporting 'caste'
Hindus discreetly.
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