TRIBALS - 2012 - Indian Social Institute

Forest Produce (MFP), Livelihood, Land, Nutrition, Health, Community Rights and Women, the minister
said, “The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which was framed to
prevent atrocities SCs and STs, has not been executed in our state. A state-level cell should therefore be
formed to dispose of cases of atrocities against tribals.” The two-day national seminar, being jointly
organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW) with its Jharkhand chapter, attracted around
200 women from various states — mainly Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh — who
have been fighting for their ownership over forestland. Pradhan added, “Since tribal women spend ample
time in forests collecting produce like sakhua and chironjee seeds, medicinal plants, kendu leaves and
mahua fruits, which fetch good market prices, efforts should be made to secure their rights and restore
forest cover.” Vouching for legal ownership for tribals over forestland, she said, “Tribals should be given
permanent land pattas (deeds) under the Forest Right Act, as they do not have legal right over the land in
which they have lived for years.” Echoing Pradhan, guest of honour and NCW member Charu Wali
Khanna said tribals who are identified with jal, jangal, zameen (water, forest, land) were unable to fulfil
their demands, as they did not have any claim over the resources. Earlier, Pradhan launched the meet
after minister of state for women and child development Krishna Tirath was unable to arrive due to other
engagements. In a written message, Tirath urged everyone to “conserve forests, which tribals identify with
as their source of livelihood”. (Telegraph 10/5/12)
Brinda Karat speaks for tribals in Jharkhand (6)
Ranchi, May 12 : Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) politburo member Brinda Karat on Saturday
said the forceful acquisition of land of the tribals is a burning issue in Jharkhand, and added that their
lands are being snatched away by the private companies despite the prevailing laws. "Our main issue that
the land of the tribals are being snatched away despite the prevailing laws. The land of the tribals is being
given to big corporates. Here, no gram sabha was held, nor permission was taken from any of the
farmers. But the land is being taken from Sonahatu in the name of Jindal and Birla and their companies,"
said Karat. "Even near Ranchi, the land of the tribals is being taken in the name of (setting up of)
educational institutions. We are not against any educational institution. But is only the land of the tribals
available? This is a burning issue in Jharkhand," she added. Karat, who has so far visited many villages
in Sonahatu region of Jharkhand's Ranchi District, had earlier alleged that all natural resources are being
handed over to big corporate houses and on the other hand, farmers are being deprived of their land,
which helps them earn a living. (ANI) (New Kerala 12/5/12)
Chasi Muliya Adivasi Sangh goes back to land grabbing (6)
KORAPUT: Renewing their land grabbing spree, the Maoist-backed Chasi Muliya Adivasi Sangh (CMAS)
forcibly occupied non-tribal land at Bandhugaon block on Sunday. Sources said the CMAS organized a
meeting at Kumbhariput which was attended by hundreds of activists with their traditional weapons.
Following the meeting, the Sangh by occupied over 30 acres of non-tribal land in the area by putting redflags
around it. Even the Sangh ploughed the occupied land claiming it to be their own to which the nontribals
have taken by deceit. "These land belong to us which the non-tribals had taken by deceit from our
forefathers. We have occupied these lands and have started ploughing them," said a CMAS activist who
had attended the Sangh meeting. Since 2009, the Sangh has forcibly occupied over 3,000 acre of nontribal
lands in the area citing it to be their own. Sources said non-tribals of the area are panicked over the
recent development in the area. Meanwhile, the Koraput-Srikakulam division of the outlawed CPI
(Maoist), which had abducted Laxmipur MLA Jhina Hikaka on the night of March 23, has given a 24 hour
bandh call on Wednesday in protest against anti-Maoist operations in the area. Maoist leader Daya
identifying himself as the secretary of the Maoist outfit informed this by sending letters to mediapersons in
Koraput on Sunday. "We demand a halt of operation Green Hunt, withdrawal of central forces from the
area and release of all political prisoners lodged in the different jails of Koraput and Malkangiri districts,"
the Maoist letter read. "We urge all to cooperate during the bandh period," it added. The Maoist letter also
opposed the proposed National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). Police said the panicked over the
recently launched massive combing operation in the area, the Maoists have given the bandh call and all
necessary security arrangements will be made to avoid any eventuality. "We are keeping a close watch
on the developments and security men have been kept on high alert to face any untoward incident," said
SDPO Y Jagannath Rao. (Times of India 14/5/12)
Chengara agitators seek alternative land (6)
PALAKKAD, May 15, 2012: Fifty-five Chengara agitators who have been allotted land at Adwanapetti in
Kottathara village of Attappady in the district are waiting for suitable alternative land for nearly a year now.