Forest dwellers launch B’luru Chalo for title deeds

Thousands of forest dwellers, under the banner of Forest Encroachers Agitation Forum, on Wednesday took out a massive protest rally in the town, demanding title deeds.

The agitators marched from Maladevi Temple grounds to deputy commissioner's office, raising slogans against the state government over the delay in issuing title deeds to the forest dwellers.

Addressing the protesters, Forum president A Ravindra Nayak said, "A total of 91,000 applications seeking title deeds were submitted by the forest dwellers. Of which, 65,220 applications have been rejected till last December. In order to pressure the government to expedite the process, the Forum has resolved to hold a Bengaluru Chalo on February 12. The government should take a decision on issuing title deeds to the forest dwellers during the ongoing legislature session."

Siddapur taluk panchayat member Naseer Khan said, "The forest dwellers have been seeking title deeds for the past several decades. If they (administration) want us to submit our death certificates to obtain title deeds, we are ready to do it. At least our children will lead a peaceful life."