TJAC vows to fight for rights of tribals

The Committee would soon advise the State government on the efforts needed to address the grievances of the tribal people

Hyderabad: Telangana Joint Action Committee has decided to fight for the rights of the tribal people in the State and it would soon submit a report to the government on the policies to be adopted for their progress.

Speaking at a round-table organised by Tribal Students JAC, on Sunday, on the theme, “Injustice to Tribes in Telangana – Future Course of Action,” TJAC Chairman Kodandaram stressed the need to find a solution to the problems being faced by the tribal people in the State. He said the TJAC would study the case and would come out with a report on the policies to be adopted. He said the tribal people were subjected to exploitation for centuries.

The TJAC Chairman said there was a need to make a special effort to solve the problems being faced by the tribal people, and his organisation would support these efforts. He alleged that the district reorganisation of districts had failed to address the issues of the tribes. The need to create a separate district for tribal people was ignored. He advised the government to upgrade the tribal hamlets into village panchayats.

He said the tribes’ rights on the lands were not recognised and they were being driven out of their lands. He said if the government wanted to develop greenery it could be done on the hills. He deplored the government for acquiring the assigned lands too.

POW leader Sandhya said in the name of Haritha Haram and Green Hunt, the lands of the tribal people were taken away. She said their lands had been fenced and trenches were dug up. Sandhya said that the tribes culture was very chaste and no sexual harassment could be seen in the agency areas.

Revolutionary ballad singer Vimala said the government was not fulfilling the promises it had made to the tribes even after two and half years of coming to power. She demanded immediate formation of tribal council and recalled that the Chief Minister had made a promise in this regard when he visited Jodeghat. Former Congress MP Ravindra Naik said the Acts for protection of tribal people should be implemented strictly.

Professor Jayadheer Tirumala Rao said the tribal people were subjected to plundering invisibly. He said the lands and the forests on which the tribal people have the rights were taken away.

Convener of the round-table Venkatesh Chauhan said the TJAC and other organisations would put their demands before the government and if it failed respond. a Statewide agitation would be launched. Prof Chandru Naik, Prakash Rao, Ramesh, Mohan, Nagaiah and others also spoke.