AJAM resolves to oppose tribal displacement at 7th national convention

AJAM resolves to oppose tribal displacement at 7th national convention

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaloe, Nov 9, 2012 :The Adivasi Janjati Adhikar Manch (AJAM) has passed a resolution to oppose the eviction of tribes in Karnataka in the name of various projects, including the Tiger Project, at its recently concluded seventh national convention.

Matthadi, convener of the South India Tribal Federation and member of the AJAM national committee, told reporters that tribes are forced to leave their forests because of the implementation of various projects, including the Tiger Project.

The tribes thus displaced are hardly provided any facilities required for a decent life. Stating that AJAM opposes this displacement of tribes from the forests, he urged the government to give up attempting to lure tribal families through money and other benefits.

It has also been resolved at the convention to urge the government to create a separate education policy for tribal children because they come from a different socio-economic background, he said.

He also announced that a state-level core committee meeting of AJAM will be convened on Friday to discuss regional issues.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bratindi Jena, national leader of the Natural Resource Unit of Action Aid, said that a national plan for 2013 has been drawn up at the convention, demanding better access, control, and sharing of benefit over natural resources in India, proper implementation of the Forest Rights Act of 2006 and PESA Act of 1996, ensuring of community rights over natural resources and forests, recognition of primitive tribes across India, no more displacement of tribes from their homeland for mining, industries, and other activities, and end of atrocities against tribes.

Dr. Jena said that the action plan will be submitted to the government.