🛕 Untouchability wall comes down

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A wall that separated Dalit families in Thokkamour has been demolished.

Story so far: At Thokkamour, a village near Gummidipoondi, an untouchability wall was constructed around the settlement of 200 Dalit families. It was built adjoining the Draupadi Temple to restrict access to the Dalits. The families had been asking for it to be demolished. The Tiruvallur district administration did destroy it after several discussions with the families and the Hindus who built it.

  • For about five months, officials held talks with the Dalit families and the Caste Hindus. At the time of the demolition, there was a large police presence.
  • Months ago, when asking for the demolition, the Hindus wanted a fence around the paramboke land where the temple was. A ₹2,000 fine was imposed for speaking to Dalits.

Facing discrimination: When the families first wanted the wall to be demolished, they were boycotted by the Caste Hindus. They wanted a fence around the land to prevent the Dalits from accessing the temple.

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