The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Tribals raid paddy fields

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 14, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Tribals raid paddy fields

By Our Staff reporter

KHAMMAM, JAN 13. Tribals raided paddy fields of non-tribal farmers and attempted to harvest the crop thus triggering tension in Ranguvarigudem and Marappagudem village of Dammapet mandal today.

Led by activists of Grameena Pedala Sanngham, tribals belonging to the adjoining villages of Nagupalli and Malkaram, descended in large numbers on the fields and carried away about 25 bags of paddy. It resulted in a violent confrontation with the farmers.

The police, who reached the village from nearby stations, snatched away the bows and arrows from the tribals and chased them away from the fields. The tribal leaders alleged that the police collided with the well-to-do farmers and protected their interests.

Officials blamed

They also blamed the local revenue officials for failing to identify the Government land in possession of the non-tribal farmers. They complained that non-tribal farmers were enjoying the Government lands also along with their patta lands. Though the local revenue officials conducted a survey on the status of 85 acres in the area, they could not make the findings public so far.

They wanted the district authorities to intervene to ensure justice to the landless. The tribals made a similar attempt in the area three days ago, which were thwarted by the police. The police were on high alert in the area because of a fresh flare-up between tribals and non-tribals after a long gap.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh