Bhagana dalits reject khap offer, ask collector to hold fresh talks

Bhaskar Mukherjee,

HISAR: Efforts to solve the ongoing tussle between dalit families and upper caste villagers made by Sarva Jatiya khap apparently failed on Tuesday as Bhagana villagers have refused to attend the joint meeting to be held on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the dharna by dalit families entered the 9th day and Virender Bagoria, who is spearheading the protest, indicated intensification of the stir from Wednesday onwards.

With a view to bring truce between dalits and upper caste families, the khap panchayat on Monday had come into the picture. Headed by Master Mahender Singh, the khap committee had first met the upper caste families before meeting agitating dalit families at the mini secretariat here.

Bagoria said, "We have taken a decision not to accept any deal offered by khap committee. After our meeting, we came to the conclusion that the khap may not be able to understand our sentiments. Hence, we decided to continue the stir until deputy commissioner, Amit Aggrawal, comes forward for talks.''

Joining him was Balraj Satrodiya, a BSP leader, who said, "We wonder as to what stops the administration from allotting 100-yard plots to families and taking action against those persons

from upper class families who ostracised us for being dalits. Let the deputy commissioner convene a meeting, in presence of elected members of panchayat."

Dalit families are camping at mini secretariat premises since May 20 to press their demand for action against upper class families, who had allegedly ostracized them for demanding 100-yard plots in the common land of the village.

On Tuesday, president of Indian Bahujan Sandesh Party, Kanta Alahariya, met Bhagana villagers and assured them of fair investigation into the matter. Alahariya had also met the DC, Hisar.

DC Amit Aggrawal said, "The administration has had a word with the Bhagana villagers, who are camping here in the district headquarters. We are hopeful that the matter will be sorted out very soon. I will accompany them to the village to resolve the matter." 

Courtesy: TOI/May/30/12