Dalit families of North Poigainallur have proposed a poll boycott seeking reconstruction of poor quality permanent shelters allotted to them under tsunami relief and rehabilitation. The families have called for boycott of local body polls protesting non-reconstruction of their shelters that were alleged to be of poor quality and unfit.
Speaking to The Hindu , Uthaman, one of the protesters, pointed out that the construction of over 42 tsunami permanent shelters in North Poigainallur were handed over to Salvation Army, an NGO, in 2006. However, a few houses had collapsed within months, and the beneficiaries had moved the High Court. According to Mr. Uthaman, the High Court had ruled that the shelters constructed by the NGO were of poor quality and therefore not fit for residing. The High Court had directed the NGO to have all the houses demolished and reconstruct, Mr. Uthaman said.
