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‘Ostracised’ Dalit families to return

Sib Kumar Das

Collector’s initiative sets the process in motion

BERHAMPUR: After remaining out of their village for seven years due to ostracism, 22 Dalit families of Ganjam district now hope to return to their village.

These families are from Balichhai village under Aska police station.

The plight of these families is related to a violent clash over untouchability at the village on February 20, 2000.

A youth D. Pradip Patro touched some items at a grocery shop at the village, which was objected to by the shopkeeper.

The issue simmered, and after two days it erupted as a violent clash.

Two Dalits – Khira Nayak and Nandi Nayak – were killed in the clash and five others were seriously injured.

Panic led the families leave the village and stay at villages like Balipadar, Kendupadar, Mamudiha, Jhagadei, Bhanjanagar, Jahada, Betarsing and even at Rourkela.

Following the intervention of the district Collector V.K. Pandian, the process has been initiated for the safe return of these families to their houses at the village.

The administration has made ample effort to locate all the ousted families scattered at different places.

Speaking to The Hindu, Sub-Collector of Bhanjanagar Purna Chandra Pathi said they had also intimated all the ousted families, including the families staying at Rourkela, about the administration’s effort to help them reach the ir village.

On July 13, a meeting would be held between representatives of the upper castes at the village and the ousted families at Aska with the mediation of the Sub-Collector to sort out all obstacles in the path of safe return of these families to the village.

“Time has healed much. Yet, we’ll try to persuade both the groups to resume peaceful coexistence,” Mr. Pathi said.

According to Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Bhanjanagar Narasundar Mishra, they were ready to provide security to the families for their safe return and rehabilitation at the village. “If needed, a police camp will be set up at the village till the families are confident about their safety in the village,” he said.

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