By Mansa
A Dalit woman, Gurpreet Kaur, 32, was allegedly thrashed by a village landlord over a dispute over wages for sowing paddy. Members of the Mazdoor Mukti Morcha carried out a protest at Matti village, demanding action against the perpetrators.
The incident happened during a meeting called by village sarpanch to resolve the dispute between zamindars (landowners) and Dalit labourers. Gurpreet and other members from the community approached the police, demanding action against the landlord and sarpanch for failing to intervene. Gurpreet claimed: “We lodged a police complaint but instead of initiating punitive action against the culprits, we are being coerced to reach a compromise. We will not tolerate such humiliation and police inaction.”
A group of migrant labourers had agreed to work for Rs 2,800 on per acre basis but local Dalit labourers expressed reluctance, saying they were only demanding Rs 3,500 paid last year. Morcha chief Bhagwant Samao said: “The accused must be booked under the SC/ST Act. We will gherao the Bhikhi police station if no action is taken.”
Sarpanch Sukhwinder Kaur said: “There were differences between labourers and zamindars over wages. I had called a meeting to resolve the matter but a fight erupted. I could not have done much to stop it.” Deputy Commissioner Mohinder Pal said action would be taken in the matter. — TNS