Sikkim man not allowed to perform last rites of father 'for marrying SC woman'

GANGTOK: In a shocking incident of caste discrimination that has come to light in Rhenock, East Sikkim, a man had been denied permission to carry out the last rites of his father for "marrying a Scheduled Caste (SC) woman."

Man Bahadur Bhujel, hailing from Reshi, had married one Kamala Darjee 22 years ago following which he was boycotted by the family.

When Man Bahadur Bhujel's father expired a few days ago, villagers told Man Bahadur Bhujel that he would not be able to carry out his father's 'Anthesti Kriya', following which the son broke down.

Man Bahadur and his wife initially protested but to no avail. When the tried to carry out the last rites at their home, they could not even find a priest to carry out the rituals.

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The couple then approached the President of the All Sikkim Scheduled Caste Welfare Association, Shekar Sewa.

Shekar Sewa immediately visited the village and spoke to the villagers. He found out that a section of illiterate people were against Man Bahadue carrying out the last rites.

Sewa had assured justice to the victim's family by doing the needful. Speaking to the media, Shekar said " I will visit the DC office and apprise the DC of the discrimination faced by the couple, and will give them proper justice according to the Atrocities Act."

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