BHOPAL: Hundreds of tribal people gathered in the state capital and took a resolve to aware there brethren about Forest Rights Act. They also pledged not to vacate the land where they have been living for ages.
Tribal people of the state have to unite and show their strength to the state government and powers that be, said coordinator of Ekta Parishad and Gandhian PV Rajagopal. Several experts of FRA addressed the workshop and made them aware about the new law. Chief coordinator of Ekta Parishad, PV Rajagopal said that the government has an opportunity till July. It should immediately form a task force to address the issue. It should also involve more organisations as done by the Chhattisgarh government for a speedy redressal. Most importantly cases lodged on forest dwellers should be immediately withdrawn, added Rajagopal.
Members of Ekta Parishad said that the tribal community should work in close coordination to work on large number of rejected claims under FRA.
Large numbers of claims were rejected in Chada on flimsy grounds. Tribal people from Baiga Chak are being asked for proof if they repatriated from Bhopal, said Sunaram Baiga from Dindori. Gangaram Saharia from Sheopur said that tribal villages haven’t been given community rights in Palpur Kuno area.
Representatives from different regions highlighted problems in their areas. Encroachment on tribal land and highhandedness of forest officials formed the core of discussion. Tribal leaders formed a united Bhoomi Sangharsh Morcha and decided to start an awareness campaign. Representatives of morcha will visit villages and make people of their community aware about FRA and how to make claims that were rejected under the FRA. “This morcha will reclaim the land and protest from gram sabha samiti to state assembly if their demands are not heard properly,” said a representative of the morcha.