The ‘padayatra’, being taken out by tribal activists, living inside forests, from North Karnataka region, arrived in the town, on Thursday.

Leaders and members of various tribal organisations in the district received the activists.The ‘padayatra’, named ‘Budakattu Samudhayagala Ulivigagi Namma Nade’ (walk for the survival of tribal communities), has been organised by Karnataka Aranyamula Budakattugala Okkuta.

The activists, singing revolutionary songs in support of their demands, entered the town from Hassan district. They started the jatha from the APMC community hall in the town, and proceeded towards Guddehosuru, via Inspection Bungalow and Madikeri road.

The demands include, issue of community and individual title deeds as per the Forests Rights Act, 2006; withdrawal of plans to relocate tribal people living inside forests; formulation of an employment policy for the youth, suitable for tribal families; etc.

District convenor of the Okkuta Kalinga said, the State government was conspiring to dislocate tribal people from their original habitat, under the guise of rehabilitation.

District Soliga Sangha president Sannappa, convenor of Budakattu Sangha J R Indira, convenor of Yarava Sangha P A Mani, president of Budakattu Mahila Sangha P A Muthamma and convenor of the Okkuta Pushpa were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District> Kushalnagar – Kodagu District / DHNS – February 13th, 2014