Dalits defy ban, enter temple | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Dalits defy ban, enter temple

PTI | By, Madurai
Dec 25, 2008 07:13 PM IST

After a decade-long struggle, Dalits at Panthapuli village in Tirunelveli district entered the Kannanallur Mariamman temple with help of District officials defying a ban imposed by caste Hindus.

After a decade-long struggle, Dalits at Panthapuli village in Tirunelveli district entered the Kannanallur Mariamman temple with help of District officials defying a ban imposed by caste Hindus.

HT Image
HT Image

Dalits led by District Collector G Prakash and Superintendent of Police Asra Garg,entered the temple at Panthapuli near Sankarankovil yesterday.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Though the caste Hindus resented the entry, they did not, however, make any effort to resist the move, apparently due to stern warning issued by Prakash.

The Collector has initiated speedy steps to take over the temple by the Hindu Religious and Charitable endowment Board.In order to prevent untoward incidents,Police had been deployed in adequate numbers in the sensitive areas.

The temple, which was closed for nearly ten years due to conflict between dalits and upper castes, has been opened and poojas would be performed on regular basis by all, officials said.

A section of the caste hindu families resisted the entry of dalits in the past even though the local munsiff court permitted them to enter the temple.Due to tension, both dalits and the caste hindus left their homes in the village and settled in nearby hills. The issue gained prominence after the CPI-M state unit recently threatened to take dalits inside the temple. On December17, 200 CPI-M volunteers courted arrested, trying to enter the temple.

After this, the district administration initiated steps to facilitate the entry of Dalits into the temple. "It is all government show now.They have done what we threatened to do",said a local CPI-M leader.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On