26, Jan 2016

Jan 26 2016 : The Times of India (Ahmedabad)
Dalit sarpanch seeks police protection for flag hoisting
Ashish Chauhan
Ahmedabad:Even as the country celebrates the spirit of equality and fraternity on Republic Day on Tuesday , Chandu Makwana, a Dalit sarpanch of Nortol village in Mehsana faces threat to his life if he attempts to hoist the national flag.

Makwana, who was assigned police protection after members of the Thakor community attacked his house and family over a kite-flying dispute, has sought an enforcement in his security for Republic day . “I have been threatened with dire consequences.The Thakors have warned that I, being a Dalit, cannot hoist the flag,“ said Makwana.Makwana was given nine armed policemen on January 15 which was reduced to four lathi-weilding cops. “He has asked for more protection for Rday . I have given instructions to provide extra cops,“ said S P Rathwa, DySP of Kheralu.