Tribals stage 'dharna' outside CM's residence

Bhopal, Sep 10 (UNI) About 25 tribal families -- including women and children -- have started an indefinite sit-in outside Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's residence protesting the alleged demolition of their houses at Khatpura village in Budhni assembly constituency.

The tribals alleged that they were driven out of their homes last night and their houses damaged.

Incidentally, Mr Chouhan represents Budhni constituency.

Angered by the sudden eviction, the agitators said the villagers will not end their 'dharna' until they were provided homes. About 45 tribal families were living in the area since the past 12 years.

They said about 25 houses were razed to the ground last night, while others were damaged this morning.

State Bharatiya Jan Shakti General Secretary Bhagwandas Sabnani criticised the incident and said the government had lost all sensitivity.

He added that as per rules, nobody could be evicted before October 15 until the rainy season ended.

UNI AG-PS PA BD1632