New Delhi, Nov. 5 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo-motu cognizance of a violation of human rights of Dalits in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli District.

The Commission has issued notice to the District Collector and Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu seeking their comments in the matter within a month.

A report published in The Hindu on October 29 alleged that around 200 Dalits of 70 families of Panthapuli village had been forced to leave the village to ensure their safety as they were reportedly under serious threat from upper caste Hindus.

The paper further reported that these villagers had been staying on the nearby Kaarisaaththaan hillock along with their children and cattle.

It also said that the relationship between the two communities has been strained for the last 10 years on the issue of not allowing Dalits to offer prayers at the Kannanullur Mariamman Temple in the village.

It also reported that despite the order, passed by the Sub-Court of Sankarankovil, to the village Administrative Officer and the police to make sure that Dalits are allowed inside the temple, the Dalits who went to the temple on September 23, were not allowed entry in the temple, as the priest of the temple, after getting the temple locked had left the village with the keys of the temple. (ANI)