Date:03/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/03/stories/2008040354000400.htm

Tamil Nadu

Minorities Commission members visit Eraiyur

Special Correspondent

Town witnessed violence over discriminatory practices in church services

Collector gives an account of the happenings on March 9
Lists measures taken to improve amenities at Eraiyur

VILLUPURAM: Members of the Tamil Nadu Minorities Commission Jones Roussou and B.S. Mauriya Nesapal visited Eraiyur near Ulundurpet on Tuesday to elicit the views of all sections of people there on restoring peace.

The peace at Eraiyur has been disrupted for the past one month over discriminatory practices adopted in church services. Though a semblance of peace has been restored after the Archdiocese suggested measures to end the discrimination, the majority Christians have voiced their resentment over the move.

Therefore, to remove the bitterness and to enable both the majority and the Dalit Christians to live in a spirit of brotherhood the team went to Eraiyur on the direction of Chief Minister M. Karuananidhi.

Collector’s briefing

Soon after its arrival, the team met Collector Brajendra Navnit. He gave an account of the happenings on March 9, when the houses of Dalit Christians were ransacked and two killed in police firing. He listed the measures taken to improve amenities and infrastructure at Eraiyur.

Later, the team met the priests in the church at Eraiyur. They told the team that St. Jebamalai Church was 150 years old and the 20,000-population had been following the Catholic faith for generations.

Outside forces

The majority Christians told the team that though they were living in harmony with the Dalit Christians, extraneous forces were driving a wedge between them.

The Dalit Christians narrated their woes and the extent of damage inflicted on their property. They also explained the reason for the construction of the Sahaya Matha Church for their exclusive use at Eraiyur.

The team told them that they must sink all caste and religious differences and live in harmony and peace.

The team will submit its recommendations to the government for improving social harmony and living conditions at Eraiyur.

K. Chandran, District Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Officer, Thirukkoilur Revenue Divisional Officer Leela and others accompanied the team.