Adivasis Observe International Adivasi Day in Utnoor, Pledge Fight for Land Rights

International Adivasi Day was observed across the erstwhile Adilabad district on Sunday, with tribal leaders taking an oath to fight for their rights regarding Jal, Jangal, and Jameen. Community members took out processions across Utnoor, Asifabad, and Adilabad as part of the district-wide observances.

Addressing a special programme in Utnoor, former Adilabad MP and Raj Gond Seva Samiti state president Soyam Bapu Rao asked forest officials to immediately stop attacks and harassment against Adivasis. He appealed to Adilabad MP Godam Nagesh to take the Adivasis' land issue to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that it is a central government-related issue that requires central intervention to resolve.

Khanapur MLA Vedma Bojju, who attended the event in Utnoor, stated that the state government is committed to protecting the rights of the Adivasis. The programme was also attended by Collector Rajarshi Shah, Superintendent of Police Akhil Mahajan, ITDA Project Officer Manda Makarandu, and several local Adivasi leaders.

Thudum Debba State President Godam Ganesh noted that Adivasis are still reeling under pathetic conditions even 75 years after independence. He stated that tribal residents face ongoing hardship and humiliation at the hands of forest staff, and appealed to both state and central governments to take steps to protect the constitutional rights of Adivasis.

The special events across the region were organised by organisations including Thudum Debba, Adivasi Sena, and Adivasi Sankshema Parishath, in coordination with district officials and ITDA officials.