Orissa tribesmen re-distribute land seized from non-tribals

Bandhugaon (Orissa), Aug 2 (ANI): In an attempt to exercise their rights, tribals in Orissa are on a land acquiring spree, albeit peacefully.

After creating unrest, instigated allegedly by the Maoists, earlier in Bandhugaon and Narayanpatna regions of the state, the tribals in Bandhugaon, have now decided to shed violence and adopt peaceful means to get lands from the non-tribals.

After a meeting held between both the groups, the tribals asked the non-tribal communities to 'distribute' their lands to them in a peaceful manner.

"What happened in Narayanpatna where tribals forcibly acquired the lands, we do not want to repeat it here. It has been decided that the people having more lands will distribute their lands to us. We are doing in a peaceful manner," said Hari Shankar, a tribal.

The non-tribals are apparently not opposing the move.

The State Gvernment on its part said it would do its best to stop the illegal transfer of non-tribal lands by the tribals.

"Regarding the restoration of lands, the consent, special course is looking under the law to restore the lands where there was illegal transfer of the lands from non-tribals to tribals. I think we can sort out the problems. There will not be much problem in that area," said SN Patro, State Revenue Minister.

The Maoists have been instigating the tribals to forcefully acquire the land belonging to non-tribals, which fuelled the agitation.

The rebels are spearheading the movement in a bid to restore tribal land from non-tribals.

The non-tribal communities constitute around 15 per cent of the total population of Narayanpatna.

So far, around 1,600 acres of land has been occupied by the tribals, pitching red flags on them. (ANI)