JOIN USUrging the government to distribute title deeds and implement Forest Rights Act 2006, the tribals took out a protest rally in Gonikoppa on Friday.
The protesters urged the government to set up a school on the model of Navodaya Schools to impart education to the children. The rally was organised as a part of the state-wide jatha ‘ Budakattu Samudayagala Ulivigagi Namma Nade’ commenced on January 28, by Karnataka Aranya Moola Budakattugala Okkoota. The rally will conclude on February 26.
Speaking on the occasion, leaders said that forest dwellers should not be cleared from the forest. A bill on employment for tribals should be introduced. Stern action should be initiated against the forest department officials who harass tribal women. A cultural centre meant for the research of tribal culture should be set up, they added.
The jatha which started at Shimoga on January 28 travelled Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Chikmagalur and Hassan districts, before reaching Kodagu. Taluk Panchayat member Tatu Monnappa inaugurated the rally in the district at Reshmehadlu Girijana Haadi near Thithimathi of Virajpet taluk.
He said that the officials have failed in effective implementation of Forest Rights Act. The Act will help in fighting for the rights of the tribals. Tribal community leader J T Mani who led the rally in Kodagu district said that the tribals will reach Madikeri via Virajpet and will halt at Ambedkar Bhavan. On Saturday morning, the rally will progress towards Mysore district after submitting a petition to the DC.
The rally will reach Bangalore on February 26 via Chamrajnagar and Mandya. A petition will be submitted to the CM, demanding the fulfillment of various demands. Taluk Panchayat member and Tribal community leader J K Ramu, Indira, P S Mutta, Dalit Sangharsha Samiti leader T N Govindappa and others were present.