SHIMLA: Members of dalit community who raised their voice against the discrimination of students and their parents on caste lines during golden jubilee celebrations of Government Primary School, Murah, in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh , claim getting "death threats" from upper caste villagers.

"We are being threatened for raising our voice. In the past too such instances were hushed by upper caste people but this time would not remain mute spectators and ensured that those responsible for discriminating against students are booked under the law," Uttam Ram, former pradhan of Murah panchayat and main complainant in the case, told the police team, led by the deputy superintendent of police, when it visited the village on Sunday. The team visited the spot and took details of the seating arrangements at dham.

The threats, claim dalits, started coming soon after a case of caste discrimination was registered at Aut police station on Saturday. While police have not named anyone in the FIR, those facing threats have identified some people in their written complaint with the Mandi deputy commissioner.

On June 23, while serving "dham" (community feast), around 200 dalit students and their parents were served food away from upper-caste students and people. All this happened in the presence of some politicians and officials of education department and district administration.

"They are threatening to kill me. Around 20-30 people tried to attack me when I was going to lodge the police complaint. I've already informed the Mandi SP about this and also submitted a written complaint to the Mandi deputy commissioner," Uttam added.

Seraj Yuvak Mandal, Shikwari, president, Leela Dhar Premi, who had canned the entire episode of discrimination in his camera, too, is facing threats. "I am threatened and warned against raising the issue. This is not the first time that such discrimination has taken place in Seraj valley. In schools, dalit students are subjected to discrimination during mid-day meal but no one raises their voice for fear of the wrath from upper caste people," he said.

Khem Raj, who runs a public distribution shop, in Murah, and had filed an affidavit stating that dalit students were discriminated against on June 23, added, "I have named the people in my complaint lodged with the deputy commissioner. So far, no action has been initiated. I fear they might kill us."

While dalits are complaining about police inaction, Mandi SP Mohit Chawla claimed that once the inquiry is completed in the next couple of days those found guilty of discrimination would be named in the FIR. "Be it the school administration or the temple management, strict action would be taken if they are named in the inquiry report," he said.

