Chennai: Social firms demand justice for Dalit cook

Chennai: Social organisations joined hands to raise voices against the continuing practice of untouchability at a government school in Avinashi. 

The ‘Theendaamai Ozhippu Munnani’ organised a meeting in Tirupur on Sunday to discuss opposition to the Dalit cook of the noon meal centre at Thirumalaigoundan Palayam government school in Avinashi taluk. 

Representatives from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Aadithamilar Jananayaka Peravai, Aathi Thamilar Peravai, Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, Dalit Viduthalai Katchi and various other organisations took part in the discussions. 

District president of Theendamai Ozhiippu Munnani, R Kumar, state deputy secretary, U K Sivgnanam, and district secretary of the organisation S Nandagopal, organised the event in Tirupur, sources here said. 

Speaking about the controversy, a representative said, “the Dalit noon meal cook Pappal is being pressurised by dominant caste Hindus, local political leaders and government officials to accept a transfer to solve the untouchability issue, since local dominant caste Hindus continue to oppose her. We want to know the state government’s stand on the issue.” 

With Pappal also being threatened indirectly by local community leaders, the activists demanded an immediate announcement by state government on its stance on the row to avoid any possible untoward incident.