Dalits of three colonies in Naikkankottai village ended on Thursday the hunger strike in the presence of Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA P. Dillibabu and leaders of the Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VCK) on Thursday evening.
The residents of three Dalit colonies began their indefinite hunger strike on Wednesday morning to press their demands that included action against those who were behind the November 7 attack by a mob on their colonies and recovery of their property that was allegedly taken away by the mob.
P. Dillibabu told The Hindu that he along with his party members from the district unit pacified the people to withdraw their hunger strike, as no government officials including the Collector had turned up at the venue.
Mr. Babu told the Dalits there was no point in an agitation within their colonies. They should meet the officials at their offices and press the demands. The Dalits were also asked not involve their children in agitations, as they should be sent to the schools to pursue their studies.
Mr. Babu advised the Dalits to meet the Collector on Friday and submit a memorandum, asking for provision of toilets at the temporary sheds and also cooking gas cylinders, utensils, rice and other materials to survive on till their houses were repaired or rebuilt. The MLA alleged that the Dalits were still gripped by fear, as most of the culprits involved in the attack were not arrested.
