Mangalore, June 20: Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS) had demanded comprehensive probe into the collapse of house due to landslide, which killed four persons, at Bajpe.
The organization has said that the incident must not be considered as a natural disaster.
Addressing media persons at a news conference in Mangalore on Thursday, Ashok Konchady, District Convenor, Dalita Abhivraddhi Vedike, said that illegal commercial complexes and shops have been constructed in Thotlaguri's Dalit colony in Bajpe.
“A total of 18 dalit families have been living there from the past 20 years on 3 acres of government land. Some players of land mafia, constructed commercial complexes in the land and encroached upon lands belonging to Dalits. In spite of several appeals to the district administration as well as the Gram Panchayat, no action was taken against such complexes and shops which are running without licenses. The landslide issue must not be looked at as a mere natural disaster and a high level probe must be ordered into the matter. The case must be considered as a Dalit atrocity case and officials found guilty must be punished”, he said.
The compensation promised to the victims of the tragedy is inadequate and the amount must be increased to Rs. 5 lakh, Mr. Konchady said, while demanding that a good quality renovated house be built at the spot to go with all basic facilities like water, electricity and roads in the area. The complete cost of treatment of the victims must be taken care by the government and survivors must be given government jobs as a humanitarian gesture, he urged.
Responding to a query on the district administration's decision to construct houses for the victims in Porkodi area, Mr. Konchady said that although they welcome the move, it is their appeal to the government to not overlook the encroachments and illegal occupancy in Dalit colony of Thotlaguri.
If their demands are not met, a united protest by all Dalit organizations will be held, he said.
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