The Dalit families, who have been protesting after being denied permission to attend a temple festival in Tamil Nadu's Karur region, today threatened to convert to Islam.
Over 200 Dalit families have alleged that they were even denied the right to conduct the festival. They have also expressed strong disappointment for being barred from entering the Mahasakhthi Amman temple in their locality.
"If such discrimination continues then we will be forced to convert to Islam, no one is addressing our problems," said Geeta, one of the protestors.
Meanwhile, several Dalit families have returned their Voter IDs and Aadhar cards in protest.
According to reports, the volunteers of the Tamil Nadu Towheed Jamaat (TNTJ) have also distributed copies of the Quran in the village. Reports state that six Dalit Hindus from the village have already embraced Islam.
Some right wing groups and Christian missionaries are also said to be active in the region.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
