Bureaucracy comes under attack for shifting tribals

Madikeri, Aug 1 (UNI) The Karnataka Development Review meeting, chaired by Kodagu district in charge minister Ramachandra Gowda, witnessed noisy scenes with three MLAs from the district accusing forest officials of relocating tribals living in Madenur forest range, defying the decision of the Zilla Panchayat (ZP).

Taking part in the meeting held yesterday, MLAs B A Jivijaya, K G Bopaiah and H D Basavaraju said the ZP had during its previous meeting had passed a resolution not to shift the tribals from the area and instructed the forest officials to take note of it.

However, defying the decision, the officials had forcibly moved the tribals to another district, they charged.

They demanded the suspension of the officials concerned for ignoring the decision taken by the the elected representatives.

The legislators were dissatisfied with the Minister's reply that an explanation would be sought from the officials.

Mr Gowda immediately ordered an inquiry into the issue by Chief Executive Officer Sundar Naik.

The MLAs warned that that if the government failed to initiate stringent action against the officials, people might have to take law into their own hands.

Mr Gowda informed that a high level meeting had been convened in Bangalore on August seven to discuss the problems faced by tribals.

Besides the Ministers concerned, elected representatives and officials, tribal representatives would also take part in the meeting.

ZP President Ashok, Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav and Superintendent of Police Ramachandra Rao were others who took part in the meeting.

UNI XR RG TS1336