Tribal families of Vengappally allege that mine owners fraudulently grabbed land, illegal mining flourished with the collusion of Panchayat and Administration.
Kalpetta/Kerala: Tribal families in ward number 6 of Vengappally Panchayat have alleged that mining work is being done by illegally occupying their ancestral land. Allegations of collusion of district administration and Panchayat officials have also surfaced in this matter.
People of Karimbalan community, who have been living on this land for a long time, say that mining mafias have grabbed their land. In this regard, they have submitted a formal complaint to Wayanad District Collector D.R. Meghasri. District President of Karimbalan Protection Council A. C. Sivasankaran and M. Santhakumari, president of Bhumika Charitable Society, have alleged that the three mine owners are colluding with each other to promote their business by occupying the land of the tribals.
This mine is very close to the settlement where about 20 tribal families live. These people depend on agriculture and animal husbandry for their livelihood, but mining activities have disrupted their daily lives. Community members say that the mine owners fraudulently made them sign some documents. They were deceived that this would help in agricultural work and purchase of cattle. In some cases, they were also promised alternative land.
The families also allege that the mine owners falsely claimed to have received approval from the District Collector. Not only this, the ruling council of Vengappally Panchayat is also accused of keeping silent even after seeing the violation of rules and promoting mining.
Now the tribal community is preparing to take this issue further. They have said that they will take their complaint to the Chief Minister, Scheduled Tribe Commission and Human Rights Commission. The community has demanded strict action against all those involved in this land occupation.
The petition also said that the District Collector should intervene and get compensation for the loss suffered by the tribal families. Also, a detailed investigation should be done of all the mining activities going on in the Vengappally Panchayat area so that the truth can come out.
Rajan Chaudhary
Courtesy : Hindi News