Tribals in Attappady to get title deeds in 3 months

Revenue Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said here on Sunday that the State government would give title deeds for the land owned by Adivasis in Attappady within three months.

Talking to mediapersons, the Minister said the United Democratic Front (UDF) government would ensure that the gains of development reached the Adivasis. The resurvey procedures in three out of the six villages in Attappady had been completed. The process had reached its final stage in the other three.

So far, the only document that gave the Adivasis the right over their land was the receipt of the land tax. The Adivasis would be given comprehensive right over their land within three months. In order

to prevent unauthorized alienation of land from the Adivasis, a clause would be incorporated for a 25-year non-transaction period, he said.

Referring to the wind farm being set up on the disputed land, Mr. Radhakrishnan said the government was aware of the diverse opinions on the issue. However, a final decision would be taken on the basis of the talks initiated by the government with Adivasi people and their representative organisations. The government would ensure that any decision that would be taken on the matter would benefit the Adivasis. “The government will not mix politics with the issues related to Adivasi land disputes,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said.

In the Chengara and Moolampalli issues, the government could arrive at a satisfactory resolution formula. In the Chengara package, there had been dissatisfaction over the land provided by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government for rehabilitation purpose. The UDF government would soon find alternative sites in Idukki and Kasaragod for the aggrieved people, he said. In addition, 250 acres of land would be identified for the rehabilitation of the remaining Adivasi families from Chengara, he said.

To a question, he said the government was confident of finding a lasting solution as the major Opposition parties had a positive attitude towards issues concerning siphoning off public fund or

providing land to the poor. To another question, the Revenue Minister said the government would take all possible legal measures to resume alienated lakes in the State.