Tamil Nadu: Notice served to demolish ‘untouchability' wall raised by caste Hindus in Karur village
An uneasy calm has prevailed between members of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community and the caste Hindus, a dominant group, since the latter raised the wall measuring about 200 feet in length and 10 feet in height about three weeks ago. The SC community alleged that it was a 'wall of untouchability'. They claimed the wall was meant to deny the SC residents access to areas where caste Hindus live. The caste Hindus denied the allegation, and claimed they had built the wall to prevent anti-social activities by 'outsiders' under the influence of alcohol.
Members of the dominant community reportedly blocked attempts by the Arunthathiyars to build a stage for organising programmes during the annual Sri Muthumariamman Temple festival, and a public toilet on poramboke land.
According to sources, the notice issued by the Revenue Inspector of Vellianai to the Kothukarar (leader) of Thottia Naickers said the wall was constructed on a piece of poramboke land. It was an encroachment, and was built without obtaining permission. Hence, it should be demolished within 15 days. Otherwise, suitable action would be taken as per the law.
Confirming the development, M. Mohamed Pysal, Revenue Divisional Officer, Karur, told The Hindu that the members of the Thottia Naicker community had been apprised of the situation. Since the wall was raised in a public space, they were asked to remove it on their own, he said.
In a related development, the Thottia Naickers filed a civil suit before the District Munsif Court, seeking a permanent injunction restraining the Arunthathiyars from interfering in the peaceful possession and enjoyment of the land where the wall was raised.
In the petition, M. Subburaj, Kothukarar, and three others, said they had been using the vacant site, situated at Sri Pattalamman and Sri Bagavathiamman Temple at Muthuladampatti, for a long time. Devotees would congregate in large numbers during the temple festivals. The vacant site and surrounding areas were holy places. However, the site was of late used to consume alcohol by anti-social elements. The wall was constructed to prevent the activities of them and to safeguard the residents, they contended
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