Karnataka: Tension over Dalits’ entry into temple, administration intervenes

It is alleged that the Kuruba community refused to worship in the presence of Dalits. The district administration had to intervene to resolve this dispute.

Karnataka: A dispute arose over the entry of two Dalit youths during the ongoing worship at the Tirumala temple in Narsipur village of Chikkamagaluru district. Members of the Kuruba community, who traditionally worship the temple, allegedly stopped the worship, leading to a tense situation for three days.

It is alleged that the Kuruba community refused to worship in the presence of Dalits. The district administration had to intervene to resolve this dispute.

Mediation of officials

To bring the situation under control, the district administration held a meeting in the village on Thursday. Tehsildar Sumant and officials from the Revenue, Social Welfare and Police departments attended the meeting.

During the meeting, officials clarified that temples are open to all citizens and preventing someone’s entry on the basis of caste comes under the category of untouchability, which is a punishable offense by law.

Solution agreed upon

After discussions, the Kuruba community agreed to allow members of the Dalit community to enter the temple. Entry of people from the Dalit community into the temple will begin from Friday.

Narasipur village, which is located near Belavadi, is home to over 250 Kuruba families and 13 Scheduled Caste (SC) families. The village has nine small temples such as Tirumala, Beerappa and Lakshmidevi. The Tirumala temple, which was the centre of the controversy, is managed by priests appointed by the Mujharai department.

Background of social inequality

The incident highlights the deep-rooted problems of caste-based discrimination in rural India. Despite the rights provided by the Constitution, social prejudices are seen in public and religious places. The prompt action of the administration shows how important it is to strictly follow anti-discrimination laws to ensure equal rights to all citizens.

Courtesy : Hindi News