AJAM opposes eviction of tribals in State

Adivasi Janjati Adhikar Manch (AJAM), in its seventh national convention which was concluded on Thursday, has decided to pass a resolution opposing the eviction of tribals in the State by implementing Tiger project and other such projects.

Briefing the reporters on Thursday, AJAM National Committee member and South India Tribal Federation Convenor Matthadi said that with the implementation of several projects including the Tiger project, the tribals are forced to evict the forests.

The displaced tribal families are not provided with the facilities that are necessary for a sustainable living. AJAM opposes any kind of development by displacing the tribal families from the forests. The government should not try to lure the tribals by placing money and displace them, he said.

The convention has also decided to urge the government to form a separate education policy for the tribal children as they come from a different socio-economic background. The regional issues will be discussed in detail at a meeting of the state-level core-committee members of AJAM which will be convened on Friday, said Matthadi.

Natural Resource Unit of Actionaid National leader Dr Bratindi Jena said that the convention had drawn a national plan for 2013 which includes demanding for greater access, control and sharing of benefit over natural resources in the country, proper implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006, proper implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006, PESA Act 1996 and ensuring community rights over forest and other natural resources, uniform recognition of all Primitive Tribal groups across the country, no displacement of tribal people from their home land due to mining, industries or any other development activities and end the atrocities against tribals.

The action plan, Dr Jena said that will be placed before the government and will be pressurised to effectively implement them.