Dalits in Uttar Pradesh allege discrimination over water

LUCKNOW - Facing water problems in their own village, a group of Dalits, who had gone to use the well and hand pumps installed in another village Monday alleged that they were assaulted and driven away by members of the upper caste community.

A group of Dalits belonging to Gariyan village in Chitrakoot district, some 280 km from Lucknow, alleged that they were assaulted and driven away Sunday by members of the upper caste community when they went to the adjoining Sagwara village to get water from wells and hand pumps.

“We were beaten with sticks and were directed (by upper caste community members) not to use wells and hand pumps of the Sagwara village,” a Dalit woman Shivpatia told reporters Monday in Chitrakoot.

“We are facing potable water problems since the last three days after the three hand pumps of our village started supplying murky water. Though a well in the village is another source of drinking water, some of us decided to get water from the nearby Sagwara village in order to avoid heavy rush at the well,” she added.

A group of Dalits Sunday night gave a representation at a local police station. The Dalits are also expected to meet the district police chief and the district magistrate in connection with the matter.

When contacted, district police chief Aparna H.S. told IANS: “The matter is still not in my knowledge. However, if such an incident has taken place, strict action would be taken against those involved. Social discrimination will not be allowed under any circumstance.”

“I assure you we will carry out an enquiry in the matter at the earliest,” she added.