Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, May 23: The 4-year-old debate around the access to Uchila Hindu public cemetery, has reignited. The place which was once used exclusively by the Mogaveera community was later made open for other communities too. Yet recently, there have been contestations over the access of the cemetery land to the Dalit community.

"The cemetery land is government property. The Uchila grama panchayat had recently undertaken the responsibility of re-equipping the cemetery. But people of the Mogaveera community continued to oppose the access to Dalits into the cemetry," said by Sundar Mastar, honorary president of Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti in a press conference held at Ambedkar Bhavan, here on Monday, May 22.

"In 2013, a stay order on the accessibility of Dalits was brought by the Mogaveera community. The issue later was settled with the help of the DC, as suggested by the high court. The DC ordered the cemetery land to be reserved for public use. Yet, the problem continues unsolved," he added.

"The Dalit Sangarsha community strongly condemn the Mogaveeras' stand. They are not allowing the Dalit community to conduct a Hindu ritual. There is no certain reason for their objection. There are 50 Dalit families residing in Uchila Bada panchayat with a total population of 300. Before 2013, the Dalit community used to cremate the dead near the railway tracks, due to lack of any other option," said Sundar.

Sundar Mastar alleged that certain local leaders have been joining the issue for political gains. "District BJP Mattar Ratnakar Hegde and former MLA Lalaji Mendon are supporting Mogaveera Community. The local politicians needed Dalit's votes to climb the political ladder. But after their victory, they forget their duty," he said.

DSS district president Thallur Uday Kumar said, "The Paryaya Pejawar Swamiji Sri Vishwesha always used to visit Dalit colony to show equality in the society. But in reality, there is no equality. The Dalit community still remains on a lower social level, deprived of opportunities. The Pejawar Swamiji should interfere in the issue and he should call for an immediate meeting with Mogaveera community to sort out the issue".

DSS leader Vishwanath Pethri said, "It is a sad matter that Udupi, being an educated district, still practices untouchability. On Friday, there was a minor conflict between the two communities, but it was resolved peacefully with the support of the police."

Narayan Manur, DSS vice president, said, "Mogaveera community might have a psychological attachment to that land. That may be one reason for opposing access. But Dalits are seeking social justice and equality. The cemetery work had started three days' back. Dalits are requesting for access to hold cremation. Otherwise, they would have to go all the way to Belapu, which is four kilometres from Uchila."

Narayan further said, "The current cemetery has 1.56 acre of land. There is another 30-cents land proposed to be developed into a cemetery by the government, for the Dalits. It is located near in Kattingeri. But we require only one cemetery. There is already a lack of land for housing sites, why can't the Kattingeri land be used as a housing site?

"The Mogaveera community should clarify why they have been objecting access to a specific land. It is sure that a third hand is provoking them to do this. Why do Dalits have no privilege to cremate in the land?" he added.

"The DSS demanded the completion of cemetery work without any objections from other communities. Some casteists intend to disrupt harmony among communities. The district administration has to implement Prevention of Atrocity Act and exile those who oppose the construction. Otherwise, we will hold Uchila Chalo march, in the coming days," he said

The leaders of KDSS urged police support till the completion of the cemetery work.

DSS leaders Shyamaraj Birthi, Chandra Altharu, Ananth Machchattu, Shyam Sundar and others were present for the meet.