http://expressbuzz.com/states/tamilnadu/locking-of-temple-leads-to-tension/225745.html
Locking of temple leads to tension
M Rafi Ahmed & S Kaththasami
Express News Service
First Published : 25 Nov 2010 11:22:00 PM ISTLast Updated : 25 Nov
2010 11:15:03 AM IST
COIMBATORE/TIRUPUR: Deadlock continues in Dalits temple entry issue at
Uthamapalayam village in Tirupur district as the caste Hindus, who are
in a sizable number in the village, continued to avoid several round
of talks chaired by Dharapuram RDO as they felt it as a disgrace to
allow Dalits to sit equally with them.
Hence, tension prevails in the village. M Thangavel, state organiser
for Avinashi-based Vizhuthugal, an NGO working for the rights of
Arunthathiyars, told Express that a similar situation arose five years
ago when they were denied entry into the 600-year-old Mariamman temple
(under the control of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments
department) during a temple festival. However, the gates were opened
for them after the intervention of HR&CE department officials on
January 15, 2005.
And the caste Hindus, who felt that the temple lost its sanctity
following the entry of Dalits resolved to construct a new Mariamman
temple adjacent to the old temple.
Dalits were on their feet again seeking right to enter the new temple also.
In this connection, 12 Dalits outfits formed the Uthamapalayam Temple
Entry Protest Committee with S Karuppiah as the coordinator.
According to Karuppiah, they raised the issue when peace talks were
held in the presence of Dharapuram RDO Akbar Ali.
An accord was reached on August 19 and again on September 29 that all
people irrespective of their caste could worship at the new temple.
Trouble started during the consecration held on October 21 when Dalits
prevented from entering the temple.
In a step further, the Dalits were assaulted by the caste Hindus.
He said during the peace talks convened by the RDO on two occasions,
none of the representatives from caste Hindus were present to give
their views along with Dalit outfits.
Sensing problem, the RDO ordered for closing the temple and sealing it
until the issue was sorted out.
As the officials failed to close the temple, the caste Hindus were
conducting routine poojas at the new temple.
Meanwhile, Karuppiah announced a temple entry protest against the
poojas being performed.
Following which, the officials sealed the temple amidst stiff protest
from caste Hindus. Opposing this, the caste Hindus of surrounding
villages hoisted block flags at their houses and observed a token fast
on November 21.
Collector C Samayamoorthy told Express that the issue was being
handled by Dharapuram RDO and the next round of talks has been
scheduled for December 2.
Meanwhile Section 145 of CrPc has clapmed to maintain peace in the village.
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