Non-tribals at loggerheads with tribals

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Source: The Hindu (http://www.hinduonnet.com/2009/11/18/stories/2009111854070300.htm)
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Non-tribals at loggerheads with tribals


Staff Reporter

They form ‘Shanti Committee’ to oppose forceful take over of land
BERHAMPUR: Land related tussle is brewing between tribals and non-tribals in Mathili block of Malkangiri district.
Like the Naryanpatna block of Koraput district here also members of a tribal organisation named ‘Adivasi Sangh’ has allegedly taken over patches of agricultural land earlier cultivated by non-tribals. The ‘Adivasi Sangh’ activists had taken over this land in Gadiali area of Mathili block. People opposing this forceful act have also formed an organisation ‘Shanti Committee’. Both the organisations are now at loggerheads. The tussle has been continuing for the lasttwo years.
But the now problem is aggravating as the ‘Adivasi Sangh’ activists have cultivated paddy on the land they had taken over and they are harvesting the produce from the land.
The activists of ‘Shanti Committee’ staged a road blockade at Govindpalli on Tuesday against the activities of the ‘Adivasi Sangh’.
Both the groups are using traditional arms during their agitations, which has increased chances of violent clash. According to sources around 1,000 armed tribals got together to harvest paddy from the land taken over by them. They have decided to keep the harvested paddy in their own store house for distribution among the tribals involved in the act.
The members of the ‘Shanti Committee’ however termed this act of the ‘Adivasi Sangh’ illegal and has urged the administration to intervene and settle the matter. People of Mathili and Khairaput blocks especially the non-tribals have got united under ‘Shanti Committee’ banner. They are also resorting to display of traditional arms during their demonstrations and recent road blockade. The area where this tension has emerged is a naxal-affected region. There are chances for the Maoists to misuse the matter for their gains.


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