From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network – Madikeri (EP)

Madikeri, Dec 24: Protesters committee of land and shelter deprived, progressive associations and other political parties held ‘Madikeri Chalo’ mass protests on December 23 here putting forth the demands in favour of Adivasis.

The meeting condemned the demolition drive of the huts of Adivasis in Diddalli and demanded houses and sites in the places where their huts were situated, suspension of officer who has taken Rs 6.80 lacs and an enquiry, transfer of Mahadevi Galagali, officer in the department of social welfare and provision of sites and shelter through another officer. They demanded that the government acquire the revenue land in the custody of forest department and distribute it among Adivasis and the acute poor. Their other demand was immediate implementation of Adivasi forests Rights Act.

Committee convener Noor Sridhar addressing the protesters said that entire state has woken up for the displaced and harassed people in Diddalli. Helplessness and anguish are the reason for nude protests. The government and the present day system have made the innocent go nude, he alleged. Those in Diddalli want to be free from slavery and dream of freedom. People in Diddalli who were like cats have transformed as tigers, he said.

The planters are afraid that they will not get slaves If Adivasis are given shelter. Therefore they have colluded with the forest department. The situation is created by corrupt officials, communal forces and owners of estates. Diddalli has united the fragmented groups and associations who have got down for protests and the protesters will not go home without getting the house for the displaced, he said.

SDPI, Samajwadi party, BSP, Jaya Karnataka, Aam Aadmi party, Dalit Sangharsha committee, Republican party of India, Bahujana Dalit Sangharsha Samithi, Adivasi organizations and pro Dalit organizations participated in the protest rally from King’s throne to Gandhi maidan held prior to the protest meeting.

Minister Anjaneya assures of shelter for displaced people in Diddalli

“As there is no provision in law to provide sites to backward class in the deemed forest, they will be provided shelter with alternative means soon”, said Minister of social welfare, Anjaneya.

He listened to the difficulties of displaced people during his visit to Diddalli near Maldare. He said that houses will be constructed to displaced people in the revenue land soon.

“Adivasis are living in forests for decades and have saved forests. Some of them are employed in coffee estates and have requested for own houses. I will be trying to solve the problem after discussing with the Chief Minister,”he said.

“There is no scarcity of funds in the department of social welfare for the development of Adivasis and construction of houses for them. The government intends to make them vacate government land and separate houses will be constructed for them in another two months. The places where the displaced people are staying at present are close to Girijana Ashrama School and there are complaints of disturbance to school and the children”, he said.

K J Appaji, leader of the tribe said that Adivasis have grown in the forests and have protected the forests. “We were living in huts for the last six months, and the huts are suddenly demolished through JCB without prior notice. The forest officials were taking Rs 100 from each family who has been staying in huts,” he alleged.

K Shivamoorthi, president of backward class and backward tribe committee and MLA speaking on the occasion said that there are 58 unrecorded gramas in the state which are not developed despite several government projects. “Most of the concerned people are illiterate and poor and there is a need for special law for their welfare. SC ST welfare committee will hold detailed discussions in the next assembly session, form a new Act and develop those gramas. A permanent solution will be found after holding a meeting in the leadership of minister Anjaneya in the participation of SC ST welfare committee, officials, scheduled tribe leaders and protesters,” he assured.

Mutthamma, leader of scheduled tribe expressed her hardship.

Minister Parameshwar Naik, MLA K G Bopayya, Vidhana Parishat member Veena Achayya, SC ST welfare committee MLA, deputy commissioner Dr Richard Vincent D’ Souza and officials of several department were present.

IGP clarifies that there are no naxals

B K Singh, IGP of Southern range clarified that there are no naxals in Maldare and the surrounding areas. Speaking to reporters, he said that people from outside are coming to participate in protests and prohibitory orders are enforced as a precautionary measure.