The Hindu : Adivasis stay put on `occupied' land in Wayanad

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jan 07, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

Adivasis stay put on `occupied' land in Wayanad

By Our Special Correspondent

KOZHIKODE JAN. 6. The large number of Adivasis led by the Adivasi Gothra Maha Sabha leader, C.K. Janu, which had `occupied' forestland in the Muthanga range in Bathery taluk in Wayanad district, to press for land for landless tribals, continued to stay in the protected forestland for the third day today.

They said that they would leave only after the Government conceded their demand and insisted they would have discussions only with the Chief Minister. They declined to hold talks with senior Forest Department officials who went to meet them this morning.

The Dalit Samara Samithy convener, Geetanandan, said the tribal agitators will soon start cultivating the `occupied' land. They have put up shelters covered with plastic sheets on the hillsides. The tribals claim to have in their possession nearly 1,000 acres of forest land in the Muthanga range.

A Government delegation will reach Wayanad to seek a negotiated settlement with the tribals. The Chief Wildlife Warden, V. Gopinath, is a member of the delegation.

Nearly 700 Adivasis, including women and children, moved into what was once an eucalyptus plantation located inside the wildlife sanctuary in the Muthanga forest range on Saturday evening as part of their ongoing agitation for land for landless Adivasis.

A senior Forest Department official said the tribals had not caused any damage to the forest. But some of them were armed with bows and arrows. The agitators were reminded by the officials that their stay in the protected forest area was illegal.

An official who visited the `occupied' forestland chose to describe the incident thus "some tribals living in other parts of Wayanad have moved into a portion of the Muthanga sanctuary and are taking rest there. We have told them that they would have to move out as it is protected area''.

The Adivasis have, however, made it clear that they are in no mood to leave. They have reportedly brought with them enough rice and other foodgrains to help them stay there for, at least, a month.

A strong force of the Forest Department has been posted in the area to monitor the situation. Many more Adivasis joined the agitators today.

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Adivasis stay put on `occupied' land in Wayanad