New Delhi: Defying an age-old ban on their entry, thousands of Dalits stormed into an ancient temple in Bhilwara district's Suliya village in Rajasthan on Tuesday and offered prayers amid tight security. The Dalits were led by priest Bhopa Hazari Balai into the sanctum sanctorum of the Chamunda temple in Suliya village and offered prayers.
Since early morning, people of the Dalit community thronged the Chawanda Temple and offered prayers to the goddess, an ancient diety worshiped by generations of Gurjjars and Balai community, Superintendent of Police Govind Gupta said. He said above 1000 Dalits were seen waiting in queue to enter the temple and there was no disturbance in the area. He said around 200 personnel of Rajasthan Armed Constabullary and other policemen were deputed to oversee the law and order.
Aruna roy, a strong social activist and Magsaysay award recipient, led the devotees affiliated to Dalit Adivasi Adhikar Abhiyan (DAAA) and Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan without any commotion or obstruction. Director of Centre for Dalit Rights P L Mimmorath, former MP Than Singh Jatav led other groups of Dalits to the temple.
Hajari Bhopa, an 81-year-old Dalit and Tulsi Ram, who were allegedly stopped from worshipping there and manhandled by members of Gurjar community on October one, were among the first ones to visit the temple and pay obeisance.
The police removed the Gurjjars congregated at the site but allowed their leader Remta Gurjjar to be present in the temple. Panchayati Raj Minister Kalu Lal Gurjjar and area MLA had tried to help the Dalits cause by facilitating their entry into the temple on November 26.
However, Suliya village's 40 Dalit families rejected the minister's pleas to enter the temple along with him that day and instead observed a Black Day. They had announced they would enter the temple on their own on December 12. The influential and majority Gurjjars of the village had decided to oppose the Dalits' entry into the temple.
The Dalits became determined to offer prayers at the temple nearly two-and-a-half months after a member of their community was stopped from entering the shrine, sparking protests against the district administration.
After Bhopa was allegedly stopped from worshipping in the temple, the Dalit community pulled up their sleeves in protest against the district administration. A case was reportedly registered at a police station in the district after the incident.
The Dalits of Suliya village were supported by their brethren from Pali, Byavar, Jawaja village, Tilonia, Bhim and Rajsamand. Dalit victims of upper caste atrocities in Pali and other places were also present to support the cause.
The Dalits had decided on the entry plan at their meeting on November 18 under the banner of Dalit Adivasi Adhikar Abhiyan.
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