Protest Enters 100 Days, Dalit Families Are Yet To Get Respite

Hubli

The protest demanding rehabilitation for the residents of Rajgopalnagar and Vallabhbhai Nagar   has reached its 100th day. Despite this, the government has not taken steps to address the demand for rehabilitation of 500 Dalit families.
On January 25, Minister Santosh Lad assured them of addressing their issues within six months, but the protesters demanded it in writing.

As no such assurance has been provided, the protesters continue their demonstration.
Karnataka Madiga Dandora launched a dharna on December 4, 2023, in front of Mini Vidhana Soudha, urging for the rehabilitation of the 500 scheduled caste families that were allegedly evacuated illegally from Rajgopalnagar and Vallabhbhai Nagar in 2006.
Gangadhar Perur, State Secretary of Karnataka Madiga Dandora, said that, the protest completed 100 days, but no officials have tried to address their demand. District Minister Santosh Lad assured of solving the issue after parliamentary elections. Since 2006, we have been fighting for rehabilitation. We have been assured several times, but nothing has materialised. This time, we have decided not to stop our agitation till we get a written assurance, he added. 

Dalit families were evacuated from Rajgopalnagar and Vallabhbhai Nagar without following guidelines, Gangadhar Perur alleged.
Gurunath Ullikashi, President of Vividha Dalit Sangha-Samsthegala Mahamandal, said that it is ironic that the dharna protest completed 100 days, district authorities and Deputy Commissioner are not bothered to look into the demands of the protesters. The protesters staged a protest in front of Mini Vidhana Soudha which housed Tahasildar’s office, social welfare department and others. No officials have bothered to look into the demands of protesters, he said.
The authorities concerned should look into the demands of the protesters and rehabilitation should be provided to the affected families, he added.