Displaced Uttar Pradesh tribals demonstrate against Mayawati government

Sonbhadra (UP), Mar 19 (ANI): Displaced tribals Uttar Pradesh's Sonbhadra district staged a demonstration on Thursday against the Bahujan Samaj Party-led state government, demanding adequate compensation.

The tribals say that they have not yet received the compensation promised by the state government, which took their land for setting up a thermal power plant.

"The government promised us jobs in lieu of our land along with the compensation. We were also promised that the basic civic amenities, such as roads, water supply, education etc. will be developed in our region, but nothing has been done so far. We are waiting for the jobs and the compensation," said Jiya Ram, a tribal.

"We are looking for our self-esteem, land and jobs. We need our land back if the state government can't give us compensation. At least we can till the land and survive." said Munia, another tribal.

The tribals said that it is ironic that in spite of a thermal power plant being erected on their land, their district of Sonbhadra is still deprived of electricity.

The tribals are supported in their protest by the Congress party, which hopes to woo Dalit voters in time for state elections in 2012. (ANI)