Chennai: “Around 40 lakh Kurumba community people reside in 24 districts in Tamilnadu. However, not even one person from the group is an MLA or MP or has secured a government job,’ said Kurumbar community people’s welfare association president R Palanisami. In a statement, he said that political leaders who advocate social justice must encourage and give chance for Kurumbas to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
“For every election, people from the community should be given an opportunity to represent citizens. Adequate changes should be made for Kurumbas to be appointed in positions like MP, government board chairman and other government jobs,” he added. He requested the State government to build a memorial in Gingee and honour Kottai Linga Kurumban.
The statement further said the community people earn a living as a shepherd or work as a coolie. “The government should constitute a goat breeders’ welfare board and should provide interest-free loan without surety for purchasing goats,” said Palanisami.