Withdraw cases within 10 days, tribals warn

Tribal leaders were booked for entering Nagarahole forest

 
Addressing a press meet here on Thursday, Mutha said that case has been filed against Prabhu for fighting against Forest Department officials’ conspiracy of shifting tribals, who are living in the forest for the past several decades. “It is unfortunate that Prabhu has been arrested for organising protests for tribals’ cause,” he lamented.

“Though the Central government had enacted the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act in 2006, it could not be implemented properly due to some anti-tribal officials,” Mutha charged. Even animals’ life is not secure in Nagarahole Wildlife Sanctuary. While elephant death toll is increasing on one side, officials themselves are involved in the illegal transportation of tiger skin, ivory and deer horns, Mutha alleged.

Tribal leader J K Ramu said that even though reports of death of animals appear on media frequently, officials concerned do not act. “Those who question the authorities are booked under various false charges and being sent to jails,” he said and urged the government to take action against corrupt officials in the Forest Department.

Virajpet taluk panchayat member J K Muthamma was present.