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Dalit village still deserted
http://www.the-hindu.com/2000/09/23/stories/04232234.htm PONDICHERRY, SEPT. 22. With more than 55 houses or huts damaged in last Monday's incidents of arson and rioting life in Andiarpalayam village, a predominantly Dalit village, located in the eastern part of Embalam reserved segment in Pondicherry is yet to return to normality. Residents of the village have fled their homes fearing threat to their lives. Damaged household utensils, almirahs and other articles lying scattered and scorched houses, bear testimony to the intensity of violence. A Government primary school and a middle school in the village are yet to resume classes as children from the local village and neighbouring pockets have still not returned. The head of a school said the staff members had been routinely coming to the school every day in their own vehicles as they could not be absent. Andiarpalayam is one of the few villages targeted by a mob last Monday. Police have arrested some 60 persons in connection with the incidents. Just a day before violent incidents in this village, Abishegapakkam village also figuring in the Embalam (reserved) constituency witnessed incidents of stone-throwing and attack on the vehicle of PMK leader, Dr. S. Ramadoss by a group of persons when he was driving through the village to reach Karikalambakkam |