‘Will talk to Khattar about rehabilitation’

HISAR: Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Thursday visited farmhouse of Dalit activist Vedpal Tanwar to meet displaced people of Mirchpur, who are staying at the farmhouse following caste violence that took place in 2010.

“I came to know about 70 families staying at Vedpal Tanwar’s farmhouse since 2010. They are living a miserable life,” he said.

On April 21, 2010, 70-year-old Tara Chand, a Dalit, and his physically-challenged daughter, Suman (16), were burnt alive and many were injured when an upper-caste mob went on a rampage, torching several houses.

52 persons were injured, and 18 houses were also damaged by the mob.

“120 families fled the village. 70 families, fearing their safety, refused to return. I have decided to meet Manohar Lal Khattar regarding the issue and will ask him to provide them land for rehabilitation,” Athawale added.