The Supreme Court’s order to 21 State governments which could lead to the eviction of lakhs of forest dwellers seems unfair and will lead to countless innocent and poor tribals being denied their rights (Inside pages, “Lakhs of forest dwellers face eviction”, February 22). Most of the claimants are illiterate and are not in a position to assert their rights with necessary documentary evidence. The government, which is supposed to be defending them, appears to be treating the issue in a casual manner, especially as the numbers are massive.
Dr. D.V.G. Sankararao,
Nellimarla, Andhra Pradesh