Date:19/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/19/stories/2008111955560600.htm

Tamil Nadu

Ostracism issue resolved after talks by officials

Staff Reporter

SIVAKASI: The issue of alleged ostracism of two families belonging to a minority community by their relatives was resolved on Tuesday on the intervention of revenue officials.

The families were ostracised after they refused to pay their contribution for a temple festival at Periyapottalpatti near here.

Revenue officials led by Sivakasi Tahsildar A. Ramasamy visited the village and held talks with the residents, following which the issue was resolved.

Refusal to pay ‘vari’

According to police, two families that got converted recently refused to pay the ‘vari’ (contribution) for village temple festival held on August 13.

They were ostracised and others instructed not to have any relationship with them. A local trader who supplied groceries to these families was also ostracised.

Officials said the families would not face any kind of boycott.