Dalits will not desist from forcibly acquiring ‘DC Manna land’ if the State government fails to clear encroachment and allot the land to landless Dalits in the next 30 days, said State convener of Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (Ambedkar Vaada) Mavalli Shankar.
Speaking at a protest by Dakshina Kannada Zilla Dalit Sanghatanegala Samanvaya Samiti, Mr. Shankar said the State government should clear encroachment of the land by government departments and private institutions and allot it for landless families among Dalits.
“If this is not done in another 30 days, we will not desist from using force to acquire those lands. We are ready to land in jail for this,” he said.
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The erstwhile Madras Presidency had earmarked certain portions of government land as DC Manna land in the then South Canara district for allotment to oppressed classes. Mr. Shankar said when Dalit activists raised the issue during a meeting held recently, Deputy Commissioner K.G. Jagadeesha failed to listen and walked out of the meeting.
Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa has not taken action against Mr. Jagadeesha for his conduct. District in-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai has also remained silent on the issue, he alleged.
Samiti president L. Chandu said erstwhile Deputy Commissioners Bharath Lal Meena, V. Ponnuraj, Subodh Yadav and A.B. Ibrahim patiently heard the grievances of Dalits and addressed them.
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Mr. Jagadeesha has failed to act compassionately to issues raised by Dalits, he alleged.