Tribal community protests demanding forest rights

The day and night dharna being observed by the tribal community in Nagarahole forest entered the sixth day on Monday.

J K Thimma and J A Shivu, who are leading the protests, said that there is no question of withdrawing the protests till the people are guaranteed forest rights.

Hundreds of people including children and women are taking part in the protest.

The protestors are preparing food at the protest site.

MLC Shantheyanda Veena Achaiah visited the protest site and received a memorandum from the protestors.

She also assured them of raising the issue on the floor of the Legislative Council and added that she would urge the government to effectively implement the Forest Rights Act.

Congress leader Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna said that the protest has entered its sixth day.

The protest was the final resort for the people, he said and added that he would carry out honest efforts to draw the attention of the government in this regard.

Zilla Panchayat members Kechamada Saritha Poonaccha, B N Prithvi, Ponnampet Block Congress president Miderira Navin, senior leaders Thithira Dharmaja, A J Babu, Kademada Kusuma Joyappa and others were present.

By planting saplings in the forest, the leaders passed on the message of preservation of the environment.