The rift between Adivasi and Lambada tribes in the State threatens to assume crisis proportions in future with the former resolving to refuse entry to Lambada government employees, including teachers, in their habitations starting June 1.
Such a move will have an impact on the State Formation Day celebrations on June 2, especially in schools located in Adivasi hamlets and villages and during the impending gram panchayat election.
The churning owing to the movement taken up by the ethnic people will be felt more in Adilabad and Kumram Bheem districts where the aboriginal people outnumber the plains tribe. These districts have already witnessed a couple of violent incidents connected with the issue in the last quarter of 2017.
Incomplete process
The aboriginal hill tribes — Raj Gond, Kolam, Pardhan, Koya and Chenchus, among others — are demanding expulsion of Lambada plains tribe from the list of Scheduled Tribes. The latter have been accused of gaining entry into the list through an incomplete process and subsequently ‘illegally’ cornering benefits meant for the ethnic people which, the plains tribe has been rubbishing all through.
Except by the government, the issue has been debated inconclusively by all, including political parties. The silence of the government in this regard however, has not helped in finding a solution.
Following the first phase of movement by Adivasis last year about 500 Lambada teachers, including contract residential teachers, were prevented from teaching in some 100 Ashram and other schools in Adilabad and KB Asifabad district. Many of them were redeployed on deputation in other schools and going by available information, will continue to do so even in the coming academic year.
“This time we will prevent all government employees,” declared the State president of Adivasi Hakkula Porata Samiti, also known as Tudum Debba Soyam Bapu Rao.
‘Govt. failed’
“We have resolved to do so after the government failed to convene grama sabhas in Adivasi villages during which we wanted to take crucial decisions under the Panchayat, Extension to Scheduled Areas, Act, 1996,” he pointed out.
“The situation can be avoided if the government invites us for talks on the issue,” opined Kumra Dunde Rao, the Sarmedi or chief of Rasimetta Rai Centre or advisory centre of Raj Gonds, considered to be moderate leader among Adivasis. “The government should declare some package for our youths,” he added.
The Police department in both the districts is closely monitoring the situation and have imposed prohibitory orders in order to maintain peace.
“We will not allow any activity which is not within the purview of law,” affirmed Adilabad Superintendent of Police Vishnu S. Warrier as he discussed Adivasi agitation.
