From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Madikeri (SP)
Madikeri, Dec 26: The tribal people of Diddalli have owned peace after 17 days of unbroken protest. The village, located near Siddapur in Kodagu district, is completely calm now.
It may be recalled that locals who had set up huts in forest area of Diddalli near Maldare had been evicted by the forest department overnight. Their huts were razed to the ground. On this occasion, some of the affected people had staged nude protest, which attracted state-wide attention. The people continued to hold protest for 17 days in pursuance of their demands for rehabilitation. They withdrew the protest only after social welfare officer, Anjaneya, visited them, and promised of providing a permanent solution to their problem, and to release one crore rupees for making temporary arrangement for their stay immediately. They have said that this withdrawal is only temporary, subject to meeting of their demands as promised.
The entire village wore a look of abandoned battlefield, with heaps of placards at one place, people repairing their damaged huts elsewhere, while others took much-needed rest. The Diddalli Ashram school, where attendance was almost nil during the days of protest, had an attendance of about 25 out of 95 students on Saturday.
CCTV cameras have been installed around the school, near Maldare police check post and other areas to keep watch over developments. Under the orders of minister, Anjaneya, displaced persons are being provided food thrice a day. About 750 people are fed in this manner every day. Five new toilets have been built, drinking water is being supplied through taps, and power connection has been provided to the area where the tribal people live.
The protesters complain that plastic sheets have not been provided to them to protect them from rain and cold, while the officials said that the people have not furnished list of family members to enable them to distribute the sheets.
Anti Naxal Force had been stationed in the village based on the allegation by some organizations and people's representatives that naxals have undertaken active role in this protest. However, southern range inspector general of police, B K Singh, said in his press statement that no naxals are present at Diddalli. However, two vehicles of this force continue to patrol the village.