Dalit organisation rejects peace formula

Puducherry, Mar 20 (UNI) The Dalit Christian Liberation Movement here today rejected the compromise mooted by Rev Anthony Anandaraj, the ArchBishop of Puducherry and Cuddalore, to solve the impasse between the Dalit and Vanniyar Christians of Eraiyur village in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu.

Addressing the medipersons Movement President M Mary John and General Secretary Arokiyadas said the Bishop had announced a compromise formula between the two sections in the Erayiur Church.

However, untouchability had been a issue for a long time in churches under the Puducherry and Cuddalore Archdioces.

The reluctancy of the Bishop to give due attention to agitations of Dalit Christians led to the clash in the village on March 9 leading to police firing in which two people were killed, they claimed.

The Bishop's announcement was just an 'eyewash' and not evolved out of proper discussions with both the sections.

Moreover, the modalities of implementation and action to be initiated against those who failed to follow the directions had not been stated.

Also, the Bishop had not apologised and nothing was mentioned about compensation for the loss incurred by the Dalit Christians.

To instill faith in the Dalits, the Bishop himself should conduct the ''Easter Mass'' at Eraiyur inviting both the sections of the Christians and take steps for proper discussions between them, the leaders suggested.

UNI PAB GM KK VC1746