Brutal attack on Dalit settlement in Kizh Sathamangalam, Pondicherry

An Appeal from the ADECOM Network 

A dominant caste mob, from Melsathamangalam village,  launched a brutal attack on the Dalit settlement in Kizh Sathamangalam village of Pondicherry, India on January 1, 2012. Nearly 100 Dalits' houses were attacked by 300 upper caste members using swords and other sharp and deadly weapons. Many Dalit houses were destroyed, properties like vehicles which included a TATA van, televisions, grinding machines, vessels were damaged or set on fire. This clash between the two sections of people started over access to water. The problem became aggravated after the Thane Cyclone hit the Pondicherry. 

The dominant caste mob assaulted the Dalit women, sexually abused them by trying to pull off their sarees. Most of the Dalits in the village sustained serious injuries all over their bodies, including injuries to their heads, necks, backs, cheeks etc due to the cuts caused by the sharp weapons. The dominant caste mob also pushed the Dalits to the ground and stamped on them with their legs, abusing them using degrading caste names.

This brutal attack was carried out for nearly two hours, from 6.30 -8.30 a.m. The dominant caste mob was so violent that an 8-month pregnant lady namely Mala (w/o Pazhani), was bashed against a wall in a most inhuman manner. 50 year old Vithi (s/o Anachapuli) was also injured grievously. That innocent old man did not know for what reason he was attacked so brutally. Another old woman named Lalida (45 years, w/o Subramanian) and Rajseshwari ( 45 years, w/o Madurai) was hit on her head and started bleeding badly when she went to rescue her son. 16 year old Ajith Kumar (s/o Vengatesan) was also brutally hit and thrown on the road.

Most of the Dalits tried to escape to save their lives. But they were stopped on their way out and attacked with weapons once again. In this incident, 14 Dalits were severely attacked with sharp and deadly weapons, and they sustained terrible injuries. Today their lives and security are threatened.

In the light of the above atrocity, we would like your solidarity in condemning this brutal attack, which is the result of the horrendous caste system that prevails in India. The fact-finding team visited and analyzed the situation. The team and the victims talked with Collector and Sub-collector of Pondichery and insist that a case be filed under SC/ST POA Act.

We request you to demand immediate action by the respective authorities in this violence against the Dalits in Pondicherry,India.

Please Send Appeals Immediately To:

1. National Human Rights Commission

Sardar Patel Bhaven, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi 110 001, INDIA

Tel: +91 11 2 334 0891/ 2334 7065

Fax: +91 11 2 334 0016 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2. The Chairperson

The National Commission for Women

4, Deendayal Upadhyay Marg,

New Delhi 110 002, INDIA

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

3. Chairman

National Commission for SCs/STs

5th Floor, Loknayak Bhawan,

Khan Market, New Delhi-110 003

Tel: +91 11 2 4632298/ 2 4620435

E-mail: D This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

4. Assistant Director

National SC/ST Commission

National Commission for SCs and STs,

2nd Floor, Block-5, Shastri Bhawan,

Haddows Road, Chennai 600 006

Tamil Nadu Province INDIA

Tel: +91 44 8276430 / 8271546

6. The Chief Minister

State Secretariat

Pondicherry 605 001 IDNIA

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

7. Chief secretary

Sate Secretariat

Pondicherry 605 001 IDNIA

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

8. Collector

Pondichery State

Pondicherry 605 001

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

9. Sub-Collector

Pondichery State

Pondicherry 605 001

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In Solidarity,

ADECOM Network Team

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Please also send a letter to:

Special Rapporteur on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related

Intolerance

Room 4-041

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Palais Wilson,

Rue des Paquis 52, Geneva

SWITZERLAND

Tel: +41 22 9179271 Fax: +41 22 9179050

Special Rapporteur on adequate housing

Room 4-066

UNOG-OHCHR, CH-1211, Geneva 10

SWITZERLAND

Fax: +41 22 917 9010

Thank you.

ADECOM Network Team

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[Via Mangesh Dahiwale]

Read more about Animation Development Employment & Communication Network (ADECOM) here.