Patels pass resolution, ban dalits from doing farm labour in Aravalli village

PALANPUR: A quarrel over bursting crackers on Diwali day has turned into a serious caste conflict in a village of Aravalli district with the Patel community adopting a resolution not to allow Dalits to work as farm labourers and boycotting them socially.
Patels in Choila village, some five km from Bayad town, have allegedly resolved to impose Rs 10,000 fine on any of their community member who employs Dalits in their field.
On Diwali day, a person from Patel community was injured by the crackers that few Dalits were bursting. The fight also reached the local police station and later it was decided that members of both communities will resolve the issue amicably on Labh Pacham Day. However, the Patels, sources said, got together in a temple and adopted the resolution against the Dalits.
Meanwhile, the Dalit community submitted a memorandum to the sub divisional magistrate (SDM) urging him to provide alternate employment to tide over the impending financial crisis.
They also urged him to ensure that their cattle get adequate fodder.
Choila has a population of around 1,500 Patels and nearly 1,000 Dalit families, most of whom work as farm labourers.
“No one will dare to hire us as a farm labourers. If anyone does, a fine of Rs 10,000 will be imposed on them. We have nowhere to go now,” said Mahendrabhai Solanki, a Dalit community member, who submitted the memorandum.
“We were always subjected to untouchability as our entry in temples was banned and barber dont cut our hair,” said Budhbhai Vankar, whose wife ironically is the chairperson of the judicial committee of the village.
RB Gameti, SDM, Bayad, told TOI: “We have received the complaint from Dalits and forwarded it to the police for necessary action.”
NJ Jadeja, police sub inspector, Bayad, who was in the village Saturday afternoon said, “We are persuading both communities to resolve the issue peacefully.”