At two-day meet, tribals vow to unite

Issues of tribals in Chhatisgarh and Jharkhand dominated two-day tribal conclave in Rajpipla in south Gujarat that ended on Monday. Tribal leaders say the community was being harassed and forced to vacate their villages in the guise of development. However, now the tribals are getting united and are willing to fight against the atrocities.

Over four lakh tribals from across the country, as well as from Nepal, Indonesia, Australia, Norway and even a representative of United Nations had participated in 25th edition of Adivasi Ekta Parishad that began on Sunday. The deliberations were mainly on issues affecting tribals, including Jal (water), Zameen (land) and Jungle (forest). However, Jharkhand and Chhatisgarh remained at the centre of discussion as the problems there are the most severe.

“There tribals are forced out of their villages. They are harassed. No one is paying heed to their hardships,” said Amarsinh Choudhary, former Member of Parliament from Mandvi , (old) constituency. Even in Gujarat, tribals are on a fast at Kevadia colony, the site of Sardar Sarovar Dam, for about one year now but the government is not ready to even listen to them,” Chaudhary said. “Tribals are losing their land. They had 65% of the land in 1947. Now they own only 5%. Highway, railway projects, dams have made tribals lose their lands. Even tribals displaced by the projects are being deprived from the water,” said Chaudhary.

Stones pelted on Ganpat Vasava convoy

Tribal affairs development minister in Gujarat, Ganpat Vasava, was attacked at the meet on Sunday. Tribals, who had gathered for the meet blamed Vasava for the inclusion of communities like Bhat, Charan and others among Scheduled Tribes. Tribals feel that this will shrink their share in the reservation pie. People started shouting slogans when Vasava came for the meet. His convoy was also stoned and one of his vehicles was damaged. Vasava had to leave the venue amid fierce protests.