Kumhar, traditionally the pot-maker in Indian social system, is a backward community that lives on the margins. They make clay pots which are called Kulhars, meant for drinking tea and curd in the villages. Slowly, the menace of plastic entered socieity, and the kumhars lost their work. Moreover, the village land continuously went to the hands of higher caste people who did not allow them to dig the land for the sake of making their pottery.

Still, the kumhars stuck to their traditions because they had no way to do any other work. They felt miserable in doing other work.

In recognition of their traditional rights of digging of land and making pottery, the government allowed them some community land for business purposes.

The village of Arwara gave a lease of 12 biswas (approximately 600 square yards) to the kumhar community for digging so that they can do their work. In fact, 12 bishwas is a very small unit for these families who don't own anything for themselves. Even so, the powerful kurmi community leader, Shiv Mangal, is not allowing them to dig.

About 18 families of kumhars depend on this tradition in the village of Arwara and have reportedly written to the district magistrate and other officials to allow them their community land for making pottery. The kumhars are totally dependent on this and if they are not allowed to do their work they will face hunger and malnutrition. The community is already in deep trouble and it has requested that the authorities understand their problems and work towards a settlement of the issue so that the people can survive and live with honour and dignity.

Strong action against Shiv Mangal needs to be taken; using his caste power to exploit the kumhars should be condemned.

Currently, land numbers 238 and 239, which have been rightfully given to the kumhar community by the panchayat (local village council), are under the control of Shiv Mangal.

The following community people, who are also victims in the village, have written a protest letter to the authorities:

1. Chhedi Lal

2. Natthu

3. Parmu

4. Sikdar

5.Shiv Bhola

6. Mulla

7. Suti

8.Durga

9. Badaku

10. Bachcha

11Chhakki

12. Bakku

13. Natthu

14.Garib Das

15.Mahangi

16.Dharmraj

17 Santosh

18.Dewati

The Uttar-Pradesh government is asked to take urgent action on the issue to save the kumhars from starvation and maintain law and order in the villages.