Tribal encroachers increases to 14

Pathanamthitta, Feb 25 (UNI) Malaveda tribals who has encroached the revenue surplus land at Olikallu near here had set up three more huts today. With this, the number of encroaching tribal families rose to 14.

The 10.87 acres of land allotted to 14 landless Malaveda families in the district was now under the illegal occupation of the inmates of Olikallu tribal colony.

The encroachers demanded that the land adjacent to their colony be released to them. The Adivasi Malaveda Mahasabha that spearheaded the encroachment had the support of CPI(ML).

The 11 huts put up on Saturday had been strengthened. The district administration had been keeping its fingers crossed. Land had been allotted to 14 Malavedas selected from 40 landless Malaveda families here, through draw of lots by the Revenue Minister recently.

The Revenue Department would hand over the alloted land in two days. If the occupation continued even after that, the district Collector was expected to take decisive action.

UNI