Sikkim: Newly married couple faces boycott threats over ‘intercaste marriage’
By Nitesh R Pradhan | Gangtok, Jan 28:
A sensational case of caste discrimination has emerged from tiny Himalayan state of Sikkim when a recently married couple faced societal boycott calls from members of a community based organisation over 'intercaste marriage'.
The couple approached the media for help which was followed by massive backlash against the alleged discrimination against inter caste marriage of Divya Rai and Karan Deep Baraily.
A meeting was conducted on January 23 with the Panchayat members of 12-Dalapchand, the parents of the aggrieved couple and members of the Akhil Sikkim Kirat Rai Sangh to discuss and address the issue of discrimination meted out to the married couple.
A signed letter of apology by nine members of the AKRS was issued to the families of Divya Rai and Karan Deep Baraily respectively, stating that they caused "unintentional" hurt due to their words and actions.
The minutes of the meeting was recorded, which mentioned that the parents of Karan Deep Baraily have already reported the matter to the Scheduled Caste Association and that another meeting with the aforementioned association would take place on the 5th of February, 2020 with all members of the AKRS and concerned families at Dalapchand Gram Prasashan Kendra.
It was reported in media that the couple and their families had to face public humiliation after some members of Akhil Kirat Rai Association arranged a meeting in the village allegedly asking for boycott of the intercaste couple from social activities.
Protesting against such societal malpractice, the couple had approached a digital media house Sikkim Chronicle, after which a mass public outcry, forcing the perpetrators to apologise.
