Tribes demand they should not be shifted

Madikeri, Karnataka, Aug 23 (UNI) Members of Tribes Agriculture Committee and Kodagu Swabhimana Samiti held a demonstration in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office demanding, among other things, not to shift them from forest.

Hundreds of tribes participating in the agitation yesterday also demanded distribution of land records and non-interference from NGOs.

Tribes leaders J P Raju, Kudiyara Muthappa, J K Ramu who addressed them, urged that the government should implement Forest Rights amendment applicable to them and cautioned against attempts to shift them from forests with the help of NGOs. They also urged the government not to collar tigers in their areas and disturb their habitat.

Karnataka Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker K G Bopaiah and MLA Appachu Ranjan who listened to their grievances assured to initiate action to fulfill their demands.

Deputy Commissioner K R Niranjan and Assistant Commissioner Akram Pasha were summoned to the spot and asked them to explain why land records are not provided to tribes occupying forest lands. Akram Pasha said that certain applications are rejected as they were not filled properly and a list of requirements is now given to them with specifications.

Ramesh Muddaiah representing Swabhimanigala Sanga said that the government should provide CRC, land record to Tribes within a week or face a severe protest. He came down heavily on Cauvery Sene and NGOs stating that they are misleading the society for personal gain.

The Forum would intensify its protest against them, he cautioned.

UNI XR MSP VV 1350