Ranchi/New Delhi:: A delegation of Adivasi Adhikar Manch, Jharkhand, affiliated to the National Tribal Rights Forum, met Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram in New Delhi on Friday evening and submitted a memorandum highlighting several pressing issues concerning tribal communities in Jharkhand.
During the meeting held at the minister’s residential office, the delegation urged immediate intervention on various matters related to tribal rights, land, rehabilitation and social identity.
One of the major demands included granting forest land titles and regularization of land in favour of the Paharia PVTG families residing for generations in Mohaldabar, Kunda Pahadi and Chirudih villages under Gopikandar block of Dumka district. The forum stated that the community has been cultivating the land for decades and their claims should be settled at the earliest.
The delegation also demanded a halt to the alleged forced land acquisition and illegal mining activities by NUPPL without the consent of gram sabhas, proper compensation, rehabilitation and employment for the affected villagers.
The memorandum further sought inclusion of a separate “Adivasi/Sarna Religion” column in census forms as well as in banks and other government offices wherever religion-related entries are required. The forum also demanded withdrawal of the decision to terminate PESA mobilizers.
The representatives additionally urged the government to ensure rehabilitation and payment of pending compensation to displaced families before any eviction related to Birsa Munda Airport expansion is carried out.
Another key demand was the formation of a separate commission for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like the Paharia community.
The delegation included state convener Sukhnath Lohra, Chotanagpur convener Prakash Toppo, Primitive Tribe state convener Devi Singh Paharia, National Tribal Rights Forum president and former MP Jitendra Choudhary and vice-president and former MP Brinda Karat among others.
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