Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jun 18: “Provide basic amenities including free house plots to nomadic Shillekyatha community”, demanded Santhosh Bajal, honorary consultant, Udupi District Vocational Nomad (Shillekyata ) Rights Committee.
Santhosh Bajal, in the press meet held by Coastal Vocational Nomad (Shillekyata) Rights Committee on June 18, said, “Shillekyatha community people are living in temporary tents. The Karnataka government has recognized them as wanderers. They do not have any necessities. The facilities that are given to them have not reached them.”
Santhosh Bajal informed that, Shillekyatha community people have, for the last 25 years, stayed in one place to provide education to their children and admitted their children to a school nearby. On June 6, they were attacked by another local fisherman who does fishing on the same river and women were physically assaulted in the incident.
Speaking about the negligence of officials he said, “On the same issue, I have contacted the police station and a case has been registered. But no one has been arrested till now. No political leaders, ministers, or government officials have lent help to them. We have already gone to the district administration for help.
"Due to lack of documents, they are not able to have a permanent house, no door number. They do not get a monthly ration because they have ration card from another region, they are made to wait. Police caused a problem when they went fishing in rivers, telling them they have no permission for fishing in the river," he said.
In response to their problem Santhosh said, “As many as 150 Shillekyata community people reside in Udupi district, originally from Chikkmangaluru. If our request is not responded to, then we will hold a protest.”
Shankara, president, talking about their difficulties, said, “We have been living here for 40 years. Since last 15 years, we have been facing problems and they are warning us that they will set our tents on fire if we do not vacate the place. We are physically harassed. Police are not taking any strict action. They do not want us to go fishing.”
Kaviraj S Kanchan, honourary president, Ram, secretary, Venkatesh, secretary Dakshina Kannada district, Jayamala, leader, were present in the press meet.