•There is no point talking to leaders all the time. All of you have been staying here fearlessly despite the atrocities inflicted for last so many years. So what has changed now and what were the difficulties earlier?

A. Earlier there was booth capturing during elections and we could not vote for our candidate. But ever since Mayawati came it has stopped and we can vote freely. Earlier people were beaten up, abused and forced to vote.

•Is there violence only during elections or at other times as well?

A. Violence happens at all times.

•Can you give some example of violence that may have happened with you or your family members?

A. If we didn't attend some religious gathering we were beaten up. Similarly they forcefully took away our land and beat us up if we protested.

•So they also took away your land

A. Yes. It happens even now

•So what does the police say when you approach them.

A. Policemen come but if they get a call from some local leader the case gets weak.

•Does police also ask you about your caste?

A. Not really. But they come and don't do much.

•So is it because they are bribed

A. Yes that's true. They get some 10-20 thousand rupees and don't do anything after that

•So what is your main problem in everyday life. Is it food, water or electricity?

A. Our land has been taken away by Gujjars right now. Our village pradhan Ranbir Singh has his own land and yet he has taken most of our land. There are orders to remove him but he is still staying in here.

... contd.