'Vanvasi Panchayat' in Bhopal

Bhopal, Aug 21 (UNI) A Madhya Pradesh-level 'Vanvasi Panchayat' will soon be organised here to learn about forest-dwellers' problems and solicit suggestions.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan provided this information to forest-dwellers whom he invited for breakfast at his residence yesterday. About 400 forest-dwellers came to attend an orientation programme organised by the Madhya Pradesh Vanvasi Parishad, an official release said.

Mr Chouhan discussed various issues with forest-dwellers belonging to Jhabua, Dhar, Badwani, Khargone, Neemuch, Ratlam and other tribal districts.

''Dialogue with grops concerned, before laying down policies for them, results in practical policies relecting popular wishes.

Efforts at converting tribal groups will be aborted at all costs,'' he added.

The Chief Minister said the government is advocating freedom of religion but conversion by allurement is a crime.

Among those present was Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad General Secretary (Organisation) Balram Malviya, the release added.

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