Bhatkal: Around 7,000 people belonging to the Moger community took out a protest rally from Venkatapur to Bhatkal, and launched an indefinite protest in the premises of the Tahsildar’s office here on Wednesday, demanding Schedule Caste (SC) certificate to the community.

Addressing them, community leader Annappa Moger said, community members in Bhatkal taluk have been fighting for their rights for the last 14 years. Even after the High Court and National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has directed the State government to issue SC caste certificate to the community, the State government has failed to take measures in this regard.

“Considering us under the fishermen category, the State government is claiming that we do not belong to the SC. It has even failed to understand the order issued by the Supreme Court, High Court, and the NCSC. This move of the State government has affected the future of our children. The officials concerned should provide the facilities that are legally bound to the community. Else, the protest would not be withdrawn,” he added.

Community leaders Bhaskar Daimane, K M Karki, Krishna Moger, Shridhar Moger, Zilla Panchayat former president Jayashree Moger, and others took part in the protest.

The protesters picketed the taluk administration office, demanding the deputy commissioner to visit the place and give them clarification. Later, Deputy Commissioner Raju Mogaveer visited Bhatkal, and received the memorandum and assured of holding discussions with the concerned.

Protester tries to consume poison

During the protest, one Umesh Moger of Gandhi Nagar in the taluk climbed the clock tower at Shamshuddin Cirlce in Bhatkal and attempted to consume poison. However, people present on the spot climbed the tower and snatched the poison bottle from him. Later, the police convinced him not to take any drastic steps.