FM Arun Jaitley to present Union Budget as usual

Hisar : Nearly seven years after scores of Dalit families fled Mirchpur following a clash with upper caste Jats, a similar exodus appeared to have begun after fresh violence between the two communities last night. Around 40 families left the village today despite assurances by the district authorities of “foolproof security”. Around 100 villagers had reached Hisar town in two buses by the evening.As in 2010, yesterday’s violence too was the fallout of a petty issue, which snowballed into a major clash that left four Dalit youths injured. Complainant Tej Bhan alleged that Shiv Kumar, a Dalit youth, had two days ago won a 1,600 metres race event, which saw participation from all castes. “Probably those beaten in the race could not digest a Dalit edging past them… a scuffle began when a group of Jat youths hurled casteist slurs at Shiv at a cyccling event last night,” he said.When Shiv objected, he was attacked by around 40 persons, alleged Bhan. Ajmer Kumar, a Dalit, said they would return to the village only after the government fulfilled their demands.