Tribals come together to talk about their struggle

NEW DELHI - Dressed in their traditional attire, around 80 tribal people from eight states came together here Monday on the occasion of International Day of the World’s Indigenous People to speak about their struggles and ask for their rights as equal citizens.

From Jantar Mantar, they marched to Delhi Haat to interact with Delhi residents and tell their tales of unequal existence.

The tribals, who constitute eight percent of India’s population, came from states like Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pardesh.

“Not much is being done for the tribals in this country. This rally was organised so that they could be heard,” said a member from Action Aid, one of the organisers.

Earlier in the day, the community representatives took part in a discussion addressed by senior activists and experts to raise the issue of forest inhabitants rights, displacement due to mining and mega projects and the apathy of the official system.

The discussion was hosted by Action Aid, Adivasi Janjati Adhikar Manch (AJAM) and Indian confederation of indigenous and tribal people (ICITP).

“We want to focus on Panchayat Raj (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (or Pesa) and Forest Rights Act among other issues. Hunger, displacement and violations of rights have left these people marginalised and disempowered,” added the member.

A mini-photo exhibition on the tribals of the Kond community and their struggle to save the Nilgiri hills were on display at Delhi Haat. A street play by a group of students was also organised with the message to save the tribals. The march ended with lighting of candles.