Karat wants more steps to end caste discrimination

Uthapuram, Madurai May 7 (UNI) Terming the demolition of a part of the controversial ''brick wall,'' that separated Dalit colony from caste Hindus in Uthapuram village near Usilampatti in Madurai district, as ''first step to end caste discrimination there,'' the Communist party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Prakash Karat today said Tamil Nadu Government should initiate more steps to end 'injustice' in the village.

Mr Karat, who visited village here along with senior party leaders, termed May 6 (the day the wall was demolished) a historic day for Dalits of the village because the 18-year-old wall of shame'' that divided the people was opened up.

The CPI(M) leader hailed the state government for the move.

''I am happy that a small beginning has been made, giving a blow to the injustice in the village,'' he told a gathering of Dalits.

He wanted the Dalits to get access to all streets and thoroughfares in the village.

''There is a beautiful tree in the village. We want the administration to ensure that Dalits are allowed to enjoy the shade of tree. A bus shelter - a long pending demand of the Dalits - should be constructed in the village and a drain that flows through the Dalits tenements be diverted and covered up completely,'' he said.

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