Dalit families seek 100 sq yard plots, adequate relief

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Mahendragarh, August 25

People of 30 Dalit families belonging to the Sapera (snake charmer) community, which were expelled from Bawana village four days ago, have demanded 100 yards plot and adequate compensation for their houses demolished by the villagers last Saturday.

Though the district authorities have suggested them a place in Mahendragarh city to stay for the time being, the Dalit families have refused to shift there without getting written assurance from the authorities that they will not be displaced.

“When we can be expelled from Bawana village despite having ration, Aadhaar, voter cards and electricity connection, what is the assurance that we will be allowed to stay at the proposed place for long? We will not go there without getting a written assurance from the authorities,” said Dalip Nath, a member of the Sapera community.

Ramkumar Nath, another member an expelled family, said, “When the state government is providing free plots to poor people, why not us? We are also poor and have no place to reside. Besides a plot, we should be given adequate compensation for house construction.”