The Hindu Business Line : Plight of tribals

This refers to the interview with Ms K. Bhanumati and Mr Ravi Rebbaoragada, "They want basic rights, but you call it social fuss" (Business Line, March 28), where the duo express concern over the plight of tribals in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. Tribals face serious problems in other States also.

As rightly pointed out by Ms Bhanumati, when the tribals protest against being displaced from their land, which is given to mining companies, they are accused of stalling development by creating a social fuss. The fishermen at Gangavaram village are no exception to this. They are asked to leave the place where they have lived for generations. When they protested, they were beaten up.They are being evicted forcibly in the name of progress and development. Development at what cost? Right thinking people should come forward and see that such things do not recur.

N. Subba Rao

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This is with reference to "Anguish of tribals," (Business Line, March 28). Whether it is for irrigation, mining, roads, ports, canals, tourism or otherwise it is the poor who are affected. Their land is taken away, they are displaced, they lose their livelihood. When they protest they are suppressed with an iron hand.

The firing on tribals in Orissa, the recent firing on fishermen in Andhra Pradesh, the lack of concern for the Narmada Bachao Andolan are all painful. Could we not find a solution and balance the two? Why not give priority to rehabilitation of the affected peoples? The Government should formulate policies and projects for a better future in the interest of all.

A. Jacob Sahayam

Thiruvananthapuram

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