The Andhra Pradesh Rajaka Vruthidarulu (Washermen) Association State president Mannuru Bhaskarayya on Wednesday said that a two-day State level meeting would be held here from May 20 to chalk out an action plan to put check to atrocities against the washermen community across the State.
Speaking to newsmen here, Mr. Bhaskarayya has said that the washermen were being subjected to various atrocities in recent years and the conference would discuss the issues and everyday challenges being faced by the community.
“The recent incidents of alleged torture of a washerman by Guntur police, the encroachment of washermen cemetery by the locals in Srikakulam district and boycott of washermen by other communities in Kurnool district are some of the problems being faced by us,” he said.
‘Encroachment of ponds’
Mr. Bhaskarayya has also stressed the need of finding an amicable solution to the encroachment of ponds and denying access to water for washing the clothes in East and West Godavari, Krishna and Guntur districts. “The encroachment of ponds once used for washing the clothes has impacted us directly, forcing us to search for other water sources in the coastal districts,” he said.
The representatives of the washermen communities from across the State would participate in the conference.