Complaint of a Dalit woman Panchayat president in Tamil Nadu—Relatives of casteist ward members do not allow her to work, use caste-based abuses
Anthonyyammal alleged that these people often illegally attend panchayat meetings in place of women ward members. She also alleged that they come to meetings in an inebriated state, disrupt proceedings and resort to caste abuses and threats when questioned.
Published on: 21 Nov 2024, 12:50 pm
Tirunelveli – J. Anthonyyammal, a Dalit woman president of Manimuthar Town Panchayat in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, has raised her voice against caste discrimination and harassment. Anthonyyammal has alleged that relatives of some influential caste ward members not only constantly abuse her on caste lines but also threaten to kill her while obstructing her work.
Anthonyyammal filed a complaint with Ambasamudram Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sathish Kumar on Wednesday. She accused the husbands and relatives of some caste Hindu panchayat members of harassment and death threats on caste grounds and sought legal action.
The town panchayat president said there was a threat to her life and appealed to the DSP to take immediate legal action against the accused. Along with Anthonyyammal, Tamilar Urimai Meetpu Kazham coordinator Lenin Kennedy and other activists also reached the DSP office. They also sent a petition to the District Collector Dr K P Karthikeyan in this regard. The complainant, who is from the DMK party, has also written a letter to his party’s high command about the harassment.
He also said that they were being insulted in Panchayat meetings in a drunken state, threatened in public places and attempts were being made to snatch away their rights.
Anthoniyammall belongs to the Devendra Kula Vellalar community, which comes under the Scheduled Caste. In her detailed complaint, Anthoniyammall described the ordeal she faced during her two-year tenure. She said that despite being unanimously elected as the panchayat president, she had to face derogatory comments, threats and obstructions in performing her official duties.
In her complaint, Anthonyamma has named Mariyappan, husband of Selvi, member of Ward 4 (Aladhiyur), Kasi, husband of Prema, member of Ward 7 (Keel Iramalpuram), Satthananthan alias Thirupudapandian, father-in-law of Mupudathi, member of Ward 5 (Keel Iramalpuram).
Along with Anthonyyammal, Tamilar Urimai Meetpu Kazham coordinator Lenin Kennedy and other activists also reached the DSP office. They also sent a petition to the District Collector Dr. K P Karthikeyan in this regard. Social Media
Anthonyyammal alleged that these people often illegally attend panchayat meetings in place of women ward members. She also alleged that they come to meetings in an inebriated state, disrupt proceedings and resort to caste abuses and threats when questioned.
In her complaint, she mentioned an incident on November 12, when she was cornered by Kasi and Mariyappan near the panchayat office. She alleged that the two men were drunk and spoke to her in an abusive language in a public place. They said:
“Give me your resignation and leave this post. You have no right to stay here. If you don’t listen to us, we will drive you out of the village.”
When she asked them to speak respectfully, derogatory caste remarks were passed against her, Anthonyyammal said. They reportedly said:
“People from your caste work in our homes, what respect do you have to give them? If you don’t listen to us, resign and leave the village. Or we will kill you.”
In the complaint, Anthonyamma alleged that these people wanted control over contracts and decision making in the panchayat and did not allow him to work independently.
Anthoniyamma expressed concern about her safety and accused the accused of creating a hostile work environment motivated by caste discrimination. She appealed to the authorities to take strict legal action against the accused and ensure her personal safety.
