NGO Evidence Demands Tamil Nadu Government Declare Districts as 'Atrocity-Prone Zones' to Combat Caste-Based Violence
In a significant development, the NGO Evidence has called upon the Tamil Nadu state government to take immediate and decisive steps to declare districts prone to caste-based violence as 'atrocity-prone zones'. This urgent appeal comes in the wake of a recent violent incident in Tirunelveli district, highlighting the persistent threat of caste-related atrocities in the region.
Fact-Finding Study Reveals Alarming Patterns of Violence
A. Kathir, the executive director of Evidence, briefed reporters in Madurai following a comprehensive fact-finding study into an attack at Perumpathu village near Nanguneri in Tirunelveli district. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left five others injured after a gang targeted villagers. Kathir emphasized the critical need for official recognition of the severity of caste-based violence in specific districts to facilitate targeted interventions and prevention measures.
List of Districts Proposed for 'Atrocity-Prone Zone' Status
The NGO has specifically urged the state government to notify eight districts as atrocity-prone zones due to their historical susceptibility to caste-based violence. These districts include:
- Madurai
- Tirunelveli
- Tuticorin
- Sivaganga
- Pudukottai
- Ramanathapuram
- Theni
- Thanjavur
Kathir stressed that such a designation would mandate enhanced monitoring and proactive measures from law enforcement and administrative bodies.
Call for Accountability and Systemic Reforms
Kathir called upon key officials, including the chief secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), respective district collectors, superintendents of police, and commissioners of police, to conduct in-depth studies into the root causes of recurring caste-based violence. He advocated for the development and implementation of robust action plans to prevent future incidents, underscoring the failure of the intelligence department in averting such attacks.
Controversy Over SC/ST Act Implementation in Nanguneri Incident
A particularly contentious issue arose from the Nanguneri attack, where one of the victims was a Dalit. Despite this, police reportedly failed to register a case under the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Kathir clarified that the victim, John, was a Christian, while his wife is Hindu, leading to confusion in applying the act. He firmly stated, "A change in religion does not make any difference," arguing that the act should be invoked regardless of religious conversion to ensure justice for marginalized communities.
Compensation and Support Demands for Victims' Families
In addition to systemic reforms, the NGO has put forth specific demands for the victims' families to alleviate their suffering and secure their futures:
- Provide Rs 12 lakh as compensation to the family of the deceased John under the SC/ST Act.
- Offer a government job and a monthly pension of Rs 17,000 to John's family.
- Bear the full educational costs of John's two daughters.
- Provide Rs 12 lakh as compensation to the family of Trinath, a guest worker from Odisha who was also killed.
- Grant a pension to Trinath's wife.
These measures aim to address the immediate financial and social hardships faced by the bereaved families.
Strengthening Intelligence and Preventive Mechanisms
Kathir highlighted the critical need to bolster the intelligence department, pointing to its apparent failure in preventing the Nanguneri incident. He urged the state government to formulate and execute comprehensive action plans that enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities and early warning systems specifically tailored to caste-based conflicts. This, he argued, is essential for preempting violence and ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities across the identified districts.
