MORPIRLA: It’s been 10 years. The Court order acquitting all those who the family felt had some hand in reducing their Dilip a young father, son, and husband, to ashes, was another nail in their quest for closure of justice.
But over the years they have faced other injustices, the biggest being the lack of empathy from the state and unfulfilled promises
The family of Dilip Velip, one of the victims, is still struggling to come to terms with the horrifying incident that was reported on May 25, 2011, linked to sensational United Tribal Associations Alliance (UTAA) agitation.
Till today, Deepa Velip, wife of Dilip can manage to express her feelings only with tears, every time she or somebody makes mention of the horrifying incident that shocked the whole family, and which had rocked the state. The two kids Divya (13) and Daksh (11), who were deprived of the love of their father, are seen holding the photo of Dilip close to their chests
The Margao sessions court on Wednesday had acquitted all 13 accused in the sensational UTAA case that has led to the death of two tribal leaders.
On Thursday Herald visited the family of Dilip Velip, at Morpirla, Quepem in the late evening, 10 kilometres away from the National Highway from Balli to the hinterland area of Dharmal, where Deepa has managed to build a small house.
Dilip Velip and Manguesh Gaonkar had died in the agitation, which was started with the objective of giving the ST community of Goa their due rights including political reservation.
However, the small family of Dilip is still struggling to achieve something better from the Association, and its leaders, but mostly from the government. Deepa managed to get a government job, but years after the death of Dilip, who already working in health services. Shocking, no other benefit has reached their doorstep. Many villagers have claimed that the government and the association to which Dilip was attached to failed to recognise the sacrifice of Dilip.
Speaking to Herald, Rupesh Velip, a close relative of Dilip said that Deepa faced a lot of hardships and had to go through struggles to come out from the horrifying incident.
“At the time of the incident Divya, daughter of Dilip was just three years old, and Deepa was two months pregnant, expecting the second child. Both the kids were unable to enjoy the love of their father, and they are still hungry for the same. However, Deepa managed to take care of them in whatever way she could,” said Rupesh.
He further narrated that Deepa was forced to leave the house, and stay at her uncle’s place for nearly five months, after the death of Dilip in order to perform the rituals.
As informed by the Rupesh, tribal leader Dilip was very much active in social activities, besides cultural.
He said it is sad to know that Dilip’s wife is still struggling to give due attention to her kids, because of financial and other difficulties.
“We were expecting some help from the concerned authorities with regard to the education of those two kids. However till now no authority has come out with any assistance to them,” said Rupesh.
With no other option, Deepa is forced to leave her both kids at home alone and work. Each evening Divya and Daksh wait for their mother to come from work.
In their little hearts, they know that each homecoming is a blessing, knowing what happened to their father who did not return on that fateful evening of May 25, 2011
