Call to end two-tumbler system

COIMBATORE: Alleging that discrimination against Dalits and suppressed classes was still in vogue in some pockets in the district, ‘TN Theendamai Olipu Munnani’ Monday submitted a petition before the Coimbatore collector M Karunakaran to take action against the twin tumbler system. The system was followed in six tea shops in J Krishnapuram, Sultanpet in Sulur Taluk, District secretary of the Munnani U K Sivagnanam said in his petition. “In few shops, the size of the tumbler varies for Dalit and upper cast. In few other shops, Dalits were served tea in use and throw cups, where as upper class people were served tea in silver tumbler. Few shops sell tea to Dalits in use and throw tumblers or glass tumblers,” Sivagnanam said.“The system was also practiced in places like Mettuvali, Panappatty, Pollachi, Thondamuthur and Periyanaickenpalayam. In places like Annur, the discrimination against Dalits was rampant. Dalits were not allowed to speak on their cellphones in front of the upper cast,” he alleged,“Dalits were not allowed to enter into a Perumal temple in J Krishnapuram, which is under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department. In Vanchipuram, Dalits were not allowed to enter into ration shop. They have to wait till upper caste people buy ration items from that shop and then only they can get their allocation from outside,” he said.He requested collector M Karunakaran to take immediate steps to prevent discrimination and untouchability against Dalits. In a separate petition he demanded action on those who encroached Chinnakumaraiyan temple in Thudiyalur and damaged compound wall and fencing.He has forwarded the copy of his complaint to the National SC / ST Commission and District DDSP.