Adivasi Rights Forum Demands Justice with Key Resolutions for Tribal Welfare

Deccan Freedom News, 

Adilabad, December 9, 

The Adivasi Rights Forum, in association with Tudumdebba Gond Van Panchayats and nine tribal community associations, convened a critical meeting to address long-standing grievances of tribal communities. In a unanimous resolution, the forum raised demands aimed at ensuring justice, rights, and welfare for Adivasis across Telangana. The meeting highlighted pressing issues such as the revocation of ST status for Lambadas, citing concerns over their eligibility under tribal legalities, and the immediate relocation of minorities who migrated post-1970 in Jainoor Mandal.

The forum called for justice in the case of Mesram Nilabai and demanded the withdrawal of all cases against Adivasis across Telangana. They also emphasized the need to prioritize educational and employment opportunities exclusively for nine tribal communities in agency areas. Additionally, the members demanded exclusive representation of tribal communities in local elections in agency regions and the formal recognition of tribal villages as agency villages. They urged strict implementation of the 1/70 Act under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution to protect tribal lands and rights.

Further demands included issuing land rights documents for Adivasis cultivating podu lands and providing housing plots with legal ownership, along with essential facilities for those residing on government land near district and mandal headquarters. The forum strongly urged the central and state governments to address these demands promptly, warning that failure to act would lead to an intensified movement starting April 10, 2025, inspired by the Indravelli martyrs’ struggle. The leaders reiterated their commitment to tribal justice and vowed to continue their fight until these issues are resolved.