He was speaking after inaugurating electricity facility to the houses of Dalits in Kanchinakere, under the Development of Naxal-infested Areas in Western Ghats scheme of the Pejawar Mutt, near here on Wednesday. “The government has failed to provide infrastructure even to those places near towns in Malnad. Especially, Dalit colonies are denied of the facilities,” he said.

Let the government take ruthless action against the ultras for they are anti-socials. But the problems will not solve if the government takes military action against those planning pro-people movements, he observed without mentioning ‘Naxals’.

The officials should provide facilities like road, water and electricity to tribals and other Dalits. The Forest Department should be liberal towards the poor who cultivate some crops in forest land, the seer said and assured the Dalits of pressurising the government to provide title deeds to them.

“There is no self interest behind the Mutt’s scheme in providing electricity facility to Dalit colonies. My only intention is that the untouchability and inequalities in Hindu society must go. Nobody is inferior to the other in the human society. All should live with self-esteem,” the Swamiji said adding that he will take steps to provide ‘mantradeeksha’ to Dalits in the days to come.

Social worker K L Shivu said though Adi Karnataka tribes are the original inhabitants of Malnad, their life is on a decline.

Malnad Hitarakshana Vedike’s K L Vasu said the government that does not consider poor as human beings, has taken development steps in the backward areas only after the Naxal threat cropped up. Nagesh Angiras spoke.

‘Withdrawal of cases’

Addressing media persons after inaugurating the facilities in Mujekhan village, the seer said he would discuss with Home Minister on withdrawing cases against those fighting for the poor and those with real social concerns in Malnad region.

He appealed that religious organisations and entrepreneurs should come forward to take up developmental activities in the backward areas of the State.  He also said he would discuss with the Chief Minister regarding development of roads connecting Sringeri-Menasinahadya-Horanadu, Sringeri-Horanadu, Balehole-Jayapura and Samse-Yelaneeru-Belthangady.

Naxals should forsake weapons and join the mainstream. Meanwhile, the government should provide rehabilitation packages for them, he appealed. He also said all should understand that injustice and inequalities are the main reasons for violence.