VILLUPURAM: The general body of the Pazhangudi Irular Padhukappu Sangham, which met at Tindivanam near here recently, had decided to issue identity cards to all its members. Its coordinator Prabha Kalvimani, told The Hindu that the Irulas were domiciled mainly in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu such as Cuddalore, Villupuram, Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Thiruvallur, besides Salem and Dharmapuri.

Since, the Irulas were often subjected to undue harassment by the law-enforcing authorities, the sangham had thought of giving them an identity by issuing the membership cards.

He pointed out that Irulas were among the six communities — Irulas, Kurumbas, Thodas, Kothas, Pannyas and Kattunaickers — declared as "Primitive Tribes" by the Centre. Of them, the Irulas were the major sect, having a larger population. The Centre with the objective of improving the lot of these tribes who were eking out their living through odd jobs in the farms, had directed the State Tribal Welfare Board to conduct a survey. He said the Irulas continued to engage in their traditional practice of catching snakes and rats.

He pointed out that in certain cases, Naickers had projected themselves as Kattunaickers and Reddys as Kondareddis just to derive undue advantages from the tribal status. Though the Irulas were consciously trying to put their wards in other avocations, the official apathy in issuing the community certificate to them had come in the way to impart education to them.

The sangham, therefore, emphasised the point that the Government should issue community certificates to the entire Irula community. The meeting recalled with gratitude the gesture of Rajendra Ratnoo, the then Sub-Collector of Chidambaram, (now District Collector) for having issued 705 community certificates to the Irula candidates at one go on August 8, 2005.

The sangham also voiced its hope that now Mr. Ratnoo as a Collector would come to the rescue of the Irulas. The sangham noted with concern that the police used to look at the Irulas suspiciously and treat them shabbily.

It had elected a new set of office-bearers: P. Elangovan — president, U. Malar — vice-president, K. Arumugham - general secretary, G. Adhimoolam — deputy secretary, M. Nagarajan — treasurer and Prbaha Kalvimani - coordinator.

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