Madikeri: Demanding stringent action against government officials over atrocities committed against tribals during the recent Ambedkar Jayanthi celebrations, the Palemadu dalits staged a massive protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office on May 3.
Addressing the gathering, Sirimane Nagaraju, a leader representing the protestors said the government should examine the real needs of the deprived and offer suitable solution at the earliest.
District administration which denied basic amenities to the poor evinced keen interest in converting a burial ground into a cricket stadium, Sirimane Nagaraju alleged.
He denied his role in Diddalli protests and said the protests erupted when the residents poured out their woes in union. Even in that issue, the district administration had failed to confirm whether the land belonged to the forest department or not, he added.
Bahujan Samaj Party in-charge in Karnataka, Marasandra Maniyappa condemned desecrating the banners and photographs of Dr. Ambedkar put up during his Jayathi celebrations in Palemadu. The district in-charge minister, who hails from a very rich family, will not be able to understand the plight of the poor, Marappa said.
The problems of the poor, dalits and minorities remain the same but their patience cannot be put to test for long, SDPI District President Amin Mohsin cautioned.
Their demands include handing back 4 acres of lands to rehabilitate the deprived in Palemadu, action against Hoddur Panchayath Development (PDO) officer and police officials for the assault on Palemadu protestors and withdrawal of cases registered against tribal leaders.
Hundreds of protestors joined the agitation which began with a foot march on May 2 and culminated with sit-in protest infront of the DC office.
