SIRAHA: Patasiya Marik of Takadiya in Siraha’s Lalpur-2 is not allowed to collect water from a public well.

“Everyone abhors us if we go near the well, labelling us as low-caste people. We are not allowed even to touch the source of water,” Patasiya laments.

Patasiya is a figure that represents 700 families in Siraha and Saptari districts, which face similar social discrimination. The Dom families have complained of numerous assaults and fines from the so-called upper-caste people in the village in the former’s bid to consume water from public wells.

“Leaders of Madhes-based political parties and even the armed groups are silent on the discrimination against Doms,” said Ram Chandra Marik, a leader of the Doms, who stood for the Constituent Assembly membership. “They are merely paying lip service for the liberation of people.”

The only Dom family in Takadiya, however, uses water from a separate well built for them. “We feel humiliated to have been barred from using the public well, though,” said Patasiya. The well in front of her house was built by Bhawani Community Development Centre, Siraha at a cost of Rs 40,000.

To make for labour contribution, she paid Rs 9,000 by taking a loan. She is horrified since the payable amount has exceeded Rs 15,000, including the interest. Binod Bisunke, a local dalit rights activist, said, “It is good that Patasiya got the supply with the help of NGOs. But they have not been able to change people’s mindset.” He added that the discrimination should end and the dalits be allowed to use public wells.