Dalits happy as Theerthakadu is vacated

A three-decade-long struggle ends with the beginning of the process of relocation of encroachers

May 30, 2014 10:54 am | Updated October 18, 2016 03:08 pm IST - MADURAI:

A three-decade-long struggle to retrieve land allotted to Dalits in Theerthakadu near Vandiyur here ended on Thursday with the beginning of the process of relocation of caste Hindus who had occupied it, in accordance with a Supreme Court order. Encroachments on the site were demolished using heavy machines.

Over 300 Dalit families, living in extreme poverty, will now be able to enter the land allotted to them by the Department of Adi Dravidar Welfare in 1979. “The government has helped in recovering our land. We are happy that our protests have finally paid off,” said A. Muthu Pandian, a resident and coordinator of Vandiyur Theerthakadu Land Retrieval Struggle Committee.

As many as 349 Dalit families, who were living on the Vaigai riverbed, were allotted 9. 73 acres of land by the Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Welfare Department on March, 3, 1979, and they were given pattas on December 12, 1995. However, the land was encroached by caste Hindus and even after a series of protests by Vidhuthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and other Dalit organisations, the encroachments were not removed.

The patta holders moved the court in 1996 seeking removal of the encroachments and restoration of the land to them. The Madras High Court had twice ordered the removal of encroachments and relocation of the encroachers but the administration was not able to implement the order. Subsequently, on September 16, 2013, the Supreme Court ordered removal of the encroachments and relocation of the encroachers on 3.87 hectares of land identified by the administration at Sakkimangalam.

Heartbreaking for many

While it was time to rejoice for many displaced Dalits, tempers flared and tears rolled down in the area located on the banks of the Vaigai as caste Hindu families were asked to pack up their belongings.

Pushpam, a 62-year-old woman, stated that she moved into Theerthakadu the day she got married. “This place has seen three generations of my family,” she said, fighting back her tears. “I can’t tell you what this place has meant for so many people who have lived here for over 35 years,” said Swarnam, another resident, while her house was being demolished.

“Nearly 250 residents face an uncertain future as their livelihood is linked to the place. Education of our children will be affected. Each of us will have to spend at least Rs. 20 on bus travel every day,” said D. Selvaraj.

Revenue Divisional Officer N. Arumuganainar said 289 houses had been demolished and 300 were given pattas. The government had spent around Rs. 50 lakh to provide basic amenities such as road, electricity, potable water and drainage system at Sakkimangalam.

Collector L. Subramanian said the current status of the patta holders would be verified and steps taken to shift them to Theerthakadu from their current dwellings.

A heavy posse of police personnel was deployed at the site to prevent untoward incidents during the removal of encroachments.

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