Aug. 17: More than twenty dalit families in a tiny hamlet of Nayakanur in Navalgund taluk, are facing social boycott by a landlord, for refusing to work in his house. The landlord instructed shop owners in the village, not to provide any foodgrains and tea to the dalits. They were prevented from fetching water from the tank, and threatened with hefty fine and other punishment for disobeying him. This prompted all dalits to desert the village, and evoked strong criticism from religious heads and the public.
“We don’t have any agricultural land, and earn our livelihood by working under the landlords, as bonded labourers. All dalit men are working as farm labourers, in the lands of landlords, and women are employed as maids in their houses. Our children are also employed in the houses of landlords. They get food grains instead of wages in return. We have been living under fear, and the harassment has been going on for many years,” said forty-two year old Dalit Basappa Madar.
The district administration has beefed up security in the village, after dalits staged a protest against the atrocity of the landlords. They lodged a complaint against the culprits at Navalgund police station. All dalit families returned to their village, after assurance given by the officials to protect them. The police have arrested six persons from the upper class in this connection, including main culprit Andanigouda Patil. Deputy Commissioner Darpan Jain, and SP R. Dilip, held a meeting with the villagers and appealed to them to maintain harmonious relations. Dr Siddalinga Swamiji of Gadag Tontadarya Mutt visited the village, and sought punitive action against the landlords. Consoling the dalit families, the pontiff assured them free education and accommodation for their children.
“Dalit families can live without fear in the village, as measures have been initiated to safeguard them. Legal action will be taken against the guilty. All facilities of the government will also be provided to them. Employment will be given to them under National Employment Guarantee Scheme,” DC Darpan Jain said.
