CPI Andhra Pradesh State secretary K. Narayana on Tuesday inspired hundreds of Adivasis to ‘grab' the forest lands in this habitation and neighbouring Khandrigagudem in the Agency in West Godavari district.
Armed with sickles and axes, the tribal people marched under his leadership from Buttayagudem to the place of grabbing for a distance of 5km under the scorching sun. The adivasis took part in the struggle from 5 to 6 habitations in the Agency. Mr. Narayana demanded that the government should allow the landless tribal people to raise fruit-bearing plantations in the reserve forests by giving them the titles over the lands under their enjoyment in line with the Forest Rights Act. “We are not against environment and destroying the green cover either,” he said.
It is a long-drawn struggle for an extent of 1100 acres at Marlagudem. The police registered cases against 300 tribals and CPI leaders three months ago and foiled the latter's attempts for grabbing the land. Addressing a gathering of tribals, Mr. Narayana highlighted the need for the tribals to raise certain plantations like cashew, mango and tobacco so as to help them eke out a living without damaging the forest cover.
The CPI leader wanted the police officers to mediate with the Forest Department for a solution to ensure that there would not be any law and order problem in the Agency. The official machinery heaved a sight of relief with the ‘land grabbing' movement ending on a peaceful note.
(Courtesy ; The Hindu)
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