Thiruvananthapuram: In what can be described as a blot on the progressive image of Kerala, Dalits have been barred from using a public pond in Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district.
To add insult to the injury, the ward councillor decided to construct another well for the exclusive use of the Dalits, thus sanctioning ‘untouchability' at an official level.
At Karunilakkod, near Varkala, the entry of Dalit communities such as Kurava and Thandar to the Padinjattethil pond, which is used by all other ‘prominent’ sections of the area such as Nairs, Ezhavas and Muslims, for bathing and washing had been denied.
Around 10 Dalit families ended up using a stream which thrives on the spill off from the pond.
Interestingly, the MLA and the councillor from the area belong to the ruling CPM.
Ever since the matter became public, the councillor is keeping a safe distance from the issue as he fears for his life.
“I have to live in this place even after the end of councillorship. If you speak for the Dalits in the case of this pond, I will be beaten up by the rest of the people," said Sisupalan, the ward councillor.
However, the person who donated this pond to the public says it should be used by all the communities.
“I donated this pond to the public for the use by the public and not any particular community or section. I want it to be used by all," said Murali, a native and a former teacher.
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