Birgunj, September 12

A dispute that broke out between Dalits and non-Dalits over worship at the local Shiv-Parbati temple of Jhawani village in Simraungadh Municipality has adversely affected teaching-learning activities at a local school in Bara.

The dispute took an ugly turn when non-Dalits barred Dalits from offering prayers at the temple a week ago.

As tension ran high, the number of students attending classes at Nera Primary School in Jhawani has dropped significantly.

The local administration has deployed security personnel to prevent any untoward incident in the village. School head teacher Kishun Prasad said that parents and guardians had not permitted their wards to attend classes fearing possible clash between Dalits and non-Dalits.

Prior to the dispute, the school used to receive 120 students from both communities. Following the dispute, only 20 to 25 students attend classes on a daily basis.

The temple in the village was constructed with the support of Dalits 40 years ago. Non-Dalits had banned entry into the temple for Dalits from the beginning.

Information officer at District Police Office, Bara,  DSP Ranjit Singh Rathaur said the dispute had broken out after non-Dalits barred Dalits from entering the temple.

Rathaur said efforts were under way to settle the dispute through talks. “If any victim files complaint, the guilty will be booked as per the law of the land,” he added.