Communal tension forces over 200 Dalit families to migrate from Kaithal village

While the couple is currently lodged in a shelter home under police protection in Kaithal,their communities are bearing the brunt. The village has become a fortress with over 500 policemen deployed on round-the-clock duty for maintaining law and order.

A cluster of around 350 houses belonging to Dalits is located at the centre of the village and is surrounded by houses of Rors. Meena’s relatives came to know about her elopement last Thursday,following which,tension escalated in the village.

On the night intervening night of Saturday and Sunday,around 400 to 500 members of the Ror community allegedly attacked Dalits’ houses with sticks,rods and swords. There are allegations that Dalit women and girls were harassed and allegedly molested by the mob. Their houses,shops and vehicles were allegedly damaged and cash and jewellery stolen.

The entire village now bears a deserted look. While the police standing guard and keeping both the communities away from each other,the Dalits have sent their cattle,women and children out of the village. The only few Dalits left comprise a few aged women,a few youngsters and a bunch of elderly.

“Around a 1000 people have left the village. Those who could afford locking their houses did so,the remaining just wanted to save their lives and left. We have sent our women and children to our relatives in other villages outside Kaithal district,” said Premdas,a Dalit,who sustained severe injuries in the attack.

“The Rors not only stole our cash and jewellery but also manhandled our daughters and assaulted our children. I had kept some bangles and gold chain for my daughter’s wedding,which were stolen,” said Kamla,another Dalit whose entire family has left for her brother’s house in Kurukshetra,fearing another attack.

Dalits also alleged that the district administration was hand-in-glove with the Rors. “It was a planned attack. Since the MLA from Pundri belongs to Ror community,these people keep throwing their weight on us. Suryakant was previously also assaulted on a couple of occasions. Now,they are threatening us that they will not let us live in this village,” Karam Singh,a Dalit.

He added: “It was a well planned attack,as minutes before they barged in our locality,electricity went off. Power supply was restored only after the police reached here after about two hours.”

While Suryakant’s family has left the village,Meena’s parents claimed they have no problems with her marriage. “We have met her and told her she can come home. Since she has got married,there is nothing we can do. I have three daughters and a son. Meena was the eldest. I have to get the other children married,” said Pirthi Singh,Meena’s father.

“This is definitely a stigma on my family,but I cannot do anything now. My family has nothing to do with this attack on Dalits. They can live in their houses and let us live,” he added.

When contacted,Kaithal Deputy Commissioner Chander Shekhar said: “The situation is peaceful. A few people have been arrested while the rest will be arrested soon. The couple is in safe custody and have refused to go to their homes. Their parents have also met them.”

“I have also appealed to the village elderly not to breach peace or else they will have to face the music. They have assured the district administration that they will maintain peace and harmony and not allow any such clash to take place again,” he added.

SP Kuldeep Singh Yadav also claimed that the situation was returning to normal. “There is no incident of violence. A few families have locked their houses and left. We hope they will be back soon. A few people got injured in the clash and all were provided medical aid. The situation is under control now.”

“In fact,a number of policemen also sustained injuries while pacifying both the sides. Around 450 people have been named by the complainant’s side. We have registered an FIR and are investigating the matter,” he added.