Alleging discrimination, TN Dalits to convert to Islam

A section of Dalit residents of a village near here, including some members of families of 17 victims killed in a recent wall collapse has announced they will embrace Islam soon alleging discrimination against them.

The Dalits have declared that they would convert to Islam on January 5 and they are members of the Tamil Puligal Katchi and residents of Nadur village as well. The decision to become Muslims was taken at a party meet at nearby Mettupalayam, TPK sources said. Party sources said more than 2,000 Dalits have expressed their willingness to convert to Islam, including some members of families of 17 people killed in the wall collapse.

The decision was taken to protest against the alleged failure of police to take action against the owner of a house under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in connection with a wall collapse incident. They also alleged they were being discriminated against by police and other authorities. Recently, Nadur village, about 50 km from here faced a wall collapse incident, in which 17 people were killed.

The Dalit residents and the TPK, a pro-Dalit party, had been demanding action against the house owner since the wall that collapsed was the compound of his house. It was constructed by him with alleged ulterior motives since it had no pillars to support it, according to the party.

Also, the wall had an alleged motive of demarcating his residence from that of SCs and thus it discriminatory warranting action under the SC/ST Act, according to the residents