Discrimination alleged in distribution of relief

Discrimination alleged in distribution of relief: "The Dalit fishermen families affected by the tsunami in Thoothukudi district have complained that they have been put to untold hardship due to discrimination. The tsunami relief assistance, distributed by political parties, local parish priests and even fishermen associations, have failed to reach these victims, said M Bharathan of �Manitha Urimai Kalam.�

As many as 111 Dalit families of �Senthil Veedhi� in Veerapandipattinam, near Tiruchendur, suffered severe losses - the tsunami caused severe damage to property, including 15 houses, 35 �vallams� (country boats) and more than 100 fishing nets. But these families are yet to get any assistance, including rice, kerosene, clothes or money from the government.

The tsunami has affected 20 such families in Geetha Nagar, Vambar, 112 in Anandamadam Pacheri, 56 in Madhavan Nair Colony, Thraespuram, 69 in Ganeshapuram in Kulasekarapattinam, 111 in Senthil Veedhi, Veerapandiapattinam and more in other areas.

Bharathan alleged that attempts were made to disrupt a meeting of Dalit tsunami victims, organised by ‘Manitha Urimai Kalam’ at Veerapandipattinam, recently. The power supply to the meeting venue was disconnected deliberately and the meeting was finally held in the open.

National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR) national secretary Vincent participated in the meeting, which had submitted a representation urging the government to issue ID cards to Dalit victims. Bharathan said the meeting also called on the government to disburse monetary aid to these victims at the earliest."