Caste Hindus continue self-imposed exile

Madurai, May 12 (UNI) The self-imposed exile being observed by a section of Caste Hindus of Uthapuram village in Thalayuthu forest, here entered the seventh day today, even as the district administration was yet to break the impasse despite several rounds of talks.

The Caste Hindus vacated the village and took refuge in the forest to protest against the demolition of a part of wall dividing Dalits colony with the Caste Hindus, recently.

Braving the hot sun and humidity during the day and rain in the evening, they were taking shelter under trees in the forest, along with their children, cooking and sharing food.

They even refused to accept medical treatment, when the district administration deputed a medical team to the forest to treat some ailments suffered by the children and elderly people.

Their agitation was gaining popularity with a large number of people from neighbouring villages thronging the forest daily to offer free rice, vegetables, pulses, oil, milk and medicines.

Besides the government-level talks, leaders of some political parties had also made attempts to pacify the agitators. But the villagers did not compromise.

UNI GSM VV SY HS1649