Villagers near Udhagamandalam oppose construction of church

They claim it will affect their culture and cause problems

In a memorandum submitted to the District Revenue Officer in Ooty recently, residents of B. Manihatty said that the activities of some persons were threatening the unity of the village where about 500 Badaga families resided.Photo: D. Radhakrishnan

Lorry loads of villagers from B.Manihatty, near here, landed at the Collectorate on Tuesday and staged a demonstration.

In a memorandum submitted to the District Revenue Officer, L. Nirmalraj, they said that the activities of some persons were threatening the unity of the village where about 500 Badaga families resided.

Adverting to a move to construct a church in the village, they claimed that it will affect their culture apart from creating social problems.

Lamenting that those behind the project are resorting to intimidation by making provocative statements, they alleged that false cases have been foisted on the head of the village and some others.

Harmony

They urged the authorities to ensure that communal harmony in the village was preserved and their culture was protected.

Representatives of the villagers and members of the Badaga community, including Congress leaders R. Ganesh and J.B. Subramaniam, held talks with Mr. Nirmalraj and the Deputy Superintendent of Police Anita.