KCR govt urged to hold tribal day fete

Tank Bund: World Tribal Day, also referred as International Day of the World's Indigenous People, was celebrated by Telangana tribal communities here at Ambedkar Bhavan, Lower Tank Bund on Friday. The day is also celebrated as 'Ekalavya Jayanthi'. As part of celebrations, tribal communities performed shows reflecting the tribal culture and traditions. Later, a rally was taken from Ambedkar Bhavan to the statue of tribal leader KomuramBheem on Tank Bund

On the occasion, ST leader Vivek Vinayak demanded that the State government celebrate the World Tribal Day and Ekalavya Jayanthi officially. He appealed the government to form a separate corporation for Eruka community and grant funds to it. Criticising the State government, he said that it failed to implement the Forest Rights Act, although it was passed by the Central government in 2006.

He lashed out at the CM KCR for his inaction on violation of forest rights in Telangana State. Lands belonging to tribals were being snatched away on the pretext of Haritha Haram, he alleged. He also demanded appointment of a tribal governor to the State. He accused the State government of evicting Chenchu tribals from forest for mining of uranium in Nallamala forests. He warned of serious consequences for any attempts to evacuate tribals from forests for mining.

Among those who participated in the program include founder president of Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS), Professor Kodandaram, TJS city president Narasaiah, Eruka community leaders Kunthadi Kumar, Srinivas, Prabhakar, Gopal, Koti, Raju, Kishan and a large number tribals.