A group of Dalit families residing at Thittukattur in Perampattu panchayat in Chidambaram block are confined to a small area without having any rights of passage. Surrounded by farmlands owned by caste Hindus they are not even allowed to walk along the bunds. This has verily restricted their movement, either for job or for studies, according to V.A. Ramesh Nathan, Director of the Social Awareness for Youths (SASY).
After conducting a study the human rights organisation had sent a representation to the Director of National Scheduled Caste Commission—Tamil Nadu wing, stating that these people were almost held hostage in the place. If any one dared to pass through the lands they were castigated, beaten up and even subjected to sexual harassment.
Mr. Nathan pointed out that 19 families had settled down on a site measuring one acre and 32 cents allotted by the government.
