DC tells sparring Dalits, villagers to live in harmony

Deputy Commissioner M K Srirangaiah said Dalits and villagers of Haadihalli should sort out their differences and live with cooperation and harmony.

At a peace meeting between the Haadihalli Dalits and the villagers on Saturday, he said harmony should be maintained in the village.

"One cannot live in harmony by developing hatred towards another community. If there is no coordination, then one cannot live peacefully," he said.

The tahsilar and assistant commissioner have identified land for the construction of Ambedkar Bhavana. The villagers have appealed to provide basic facilities in Dalit Colony in the village. Measures will be taken to supply drinking water, construct toilets and provide other basic amenities, he said.

Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (DSS) district convener Rajarathnam said, "There was a clash over the land for Ambedkar Bhavana. The nameplate at the site identified for the construction was removed. Action should be initiated against those have committed atrocities on Dalits. Bhavana should be constructed on the land identified."

MLA B B Ningaiah said, "There was a clash in the village over inviting tenders for releasing fingerlings into the lake in the village. I condemn such incident. All should live in harmony."

Villager Somashekar sought an apology for the atrocity. There is no problem for the construction of Ambedkar Bhavan on the land identified, he said and also promised to live in harmony.

ASP K H Jagadeesh said complaints from both the sides have been registered. Strict action would be initiated against those who violate the law, he added.

Permission for protest

The deputy commissioner clarified that permission has been granted for staging a protest at Azad Park by Dalita Pragathipara Sanghatane on October 30. However, no permission has been given for staging a protest at Haadihalli, he added.

When Dalit leaders sought permission for taking out a procession from Bolarameshwara Temple-IG Road-MG Road-Azad Park, ASP Jagadeesh said that Madiwala community members stage a protest on the same day. Hence, permission cannot be granted for the procession, he said.