JOIN USSites for Diddalli tribals: Sangha sings different tune
President of Budakattu Krishikara Sangha J P Raju on Saturday urged the state government to extend the benefit of site to all tribals in Kodagu district.
Addressing reporters here, Raju said the government should not just evince interest to consider the demands of tribals at Diddalli. The demand for sites and tittle deeds of all tribals in the district should also be taken into consideration, and the government should grant all such tribes their individual rights and community rights.
Saying that attempts are being made by migratory tribals to create havoc in Diddalli forest, Raju said that 100 to 150 tribals against 577 families have no sites. Except them, the remaining households are provided with benefits and the government should take note of the same.
At Diddalli and Thattalli hamlets, tribals belonging to Jenu Kuruba and other sects are living since several years. However, only the Jenu Kurubas who were staying prior to December 13, 2005 have been granted title deeds.
As many as 36 families from Thattalli hamlet coming under Maldhare Gram Panchayat have applied for title deeds from the Forest Department. However, the department has stalled the process, as only Jenu Kurubas and Gowdas are considered as original habitants.
Budakattu Krishikara Sangha Virajpet taluk unit president G K Ramu alleged that MLAs from other districts in connivance with local leaders have created fake documents only to usurp four acres of forest land at Diddalli. The leaders who have camped in front of CB Halli Ashrama School have been misleading the government. Such leaders should be shifted to other places within one month, he added.
He also demanded rehabilitation of all tribals living in line houses, along with creating infrastructure for original habitants at Devarakadu and tribals at Nagarahole forest.
Sangha women’s wing president G R Indira also demanded for shifting tribals who have been camping in front of the Ashrama school in the interest of school students.