BHOPAL: Samajwadi Jan Parishad, a voluntary action group working among tribals, would announce its agitation plan for tribals' right over forest land, during a series of protests to be organised in Betul and Harda districts between Friday and Independence Day.

The National Executive member of Samajwadi Jan Parishad, Anurag Modi, said in a statement here on Thursday that the tribals would be celebrating 150 years of their struggle on Independence Day.

He said the tribals' struggle for their rights started with the battle between the British and the Korku Chieftain Bhaboot Singh at Mahadeo Hills (Pachmarhi) in 1857.

Year-long celebration

This year's Independence Day would mark the beginning of a year-long celebration starting from Friday, he said.

The Parishad leader further stated that they would be organising "Jangal Satyagrah" under the banner of Shramik Adivasi Sanghathan at various tribal forts spread over the forests of Betul and Harda districts. "From these forts, the tribals will make a declaration and announce their resolve to fight for their rights over forest land," he added.

The tribals would be raising the slogan "Purkhon se nata jodenge jungle nahi chodenge" (the tribals would protect the legacy of their ancestors and shall not leave the forest).

Rally planned

The Jangal Satyagrah will be organised in Betul district on August 11, Dularagadh Fort on August 12, Jamgarh, Bhawargadh and Sawaligadh on August 13, Asirgadh and Bazarbarra fort on August 14. On August 15, they propose to organise a big rally at the tribal village Banjaridhal.

Mr. Modi said that a battle fought between Bhaboot Singh, the tribal Chieftain of Harrakot, and the British in 1857 had paved the way for the creation of the first ever reserve forest in this country.

He said that the "Bori forest of Bhaboot Singh" was declared the first reserve forest in 1862. Prior to this, Bhaboot Singh was hanged at Jabalpur Jail in 1861.

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