Shramdan mired in dissent

Representatives of the two communities are scheduled to meet at snehmilan8217; programmes in Ahwa and Subir in the Dangs tomorrow. Gaikwad said he would not be in Ahwa on Friday, but his representatives would attend both functions. It is learnt that both communities were initially reluctant, but had been were persuaded by the Collector and the DSP.

Gaikwad, who had attended yesterday8217;s symbolic functions at Mulchond and Nadagkhadi villages, said he or his representatives would attend all such programmes. 8220;It is not right to stay away from such programmes when the administration is trying to restore amity8221;, he said.

Father Prakash, who had emerged as the spokesman of Christians of all denominations during the crisis, had described the shramdan8217; as 8220;a positive step8221; but said members of his community could not participate in view of their continuing harassment. He had also demanded guarantees of protection and security of Christians.