Dalit families migrate after social boycott

PALANPUR: As many as 37 members of six dalit families have been forced to migrate from their native village Maniyari in Chanasama taluka of Patan following social boycott by upper cast members. The families migrated to nearby village on November 19.
Pushpa Solanki a social worker said, “Patels have boycotted the dalits. No one would talk to them or buy goods from their shops.The Patels also did not employ dalits as farm labourers.” Narendra Parmar, who is providing legal assistance to them said of the 37 members 17 are women.
Deputy superintendent of police RC Mehta said “We have deployed police in the village. The dalits have already met the collector who has assured them work under MNREGA.”
Last month, six Patel members were arrested after a clash with the Dalits in the village.