Rajputs, Dalits promise to stay peacefully

Sunit Dhawan

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, September 15

The stalemate between the Rajput and Dalit communities of Baniyani village in the district was finally resolved today after a marathon meeting among members of both communities and top district and police functionaries.

Members of both communities signed an agreement and submitted sworn statements maintaining that they would stay peacefully and not indulge in any clash.

Deputy Commissioner DK Behera, who chaired the meeting, told The Tribune that both communities sorted out their differences and tendered mutual apologies. They had agreed to withdraw cases against each other, he added.

“The village peace committee will monitor the activities of youngsters. CCTV cameras will be installed at Government Senior Secondary School at the village,” he said.

Rohtak SP Shashank Anand, who was also present at the meeting, said the village elders had demanded the establishment of a permanent police post at Baniyani. “We have told them to identify a chunk of land or building to set up a police post,” he said, adding that police deployment at the village would continue as of now and would be gradually scaled down.

The SP said a proposal to establish a police post would be sent to the state authorities. Till then, regular and frequent patrolling of the village would continue with special focus on the school premises and other sensitive points.

The district authorities gave an assurance to the villagers that a youth injured in the clash would be provided suitable employment at DC rates.

Dalit community member Ompal and Rajput community member Mahender said they had resolved to maintain peace and order at the village.