Villagers begin indefinite protest

Opposing the district administration for following the double standard in issuing permission for felling of silver trees in the district, the residents of Gupthashetty Halli began indefinite strike in front of Deputy Commissioner’s office on Friday.

The Dalit families who had staged an indefinite strike for 62 days in front of Mudigere taluk office in the past are now staging protest in front of the DC’s office.

The protesters have questioned the decision of the district administration which has given a strict order against the felling of silver trees in the land on which the destitutes live. On the other hand, there is no ban on felling and transporting of silver trees in other places.

The Dalits who were the residents of Hullemane, Bairigadde, Thalavara, Mandagulihara and Kundra villages that come under the reserve forest area were displaced and rehabilitated in Yalagadi village.

However, even after shifting to Yalagadi, they were not provided with basic amenities.

The district administration had made temporary arrangements for the residents after they staged two-month long protest demanding the basic facilities. The residents alleged that the district administration is not allowing the residents to develop the land on which they reside.

The protesters have urged the district administration to withdraw the order on felling of trees and provide title deeds to the residents.