Dalits start relay hunger stir in jail

 
A total of 35 Dalits including 17 women were sent to jail, for clearing forest land belonging to the Revenue Department. As the Forest Department refused to clear the forest land, which was reserved for the rehabilitation of Dalits of Machagondanahalli colony. Following this, Dalits organised a novel way of protest and started felling trees.

Those 17 women, who were in Hassan Jail were released on bail on Friday. However, 18 men including Sathi Sundaresh, who are in Chikmagalur Jail, refused to move the bail plea as a token of protest. Moreover, they started a relay hunger strike too.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Sathi Sundaresh said the district administration had promised to distribute title deeds within three months. However, now in the name of code of conduct, they are backtracking and thus are cheating the Dalits.”

“The relay hunger strike will continue till the title deeds are distributed. We will not withdraw hunger strike for the assurances given by the officials,” she added.