Attempts to evict Malekudiyas is violation of Forest Tribal Rights Act: Karat

Mangalore, May 20: Attempts to forcefully evict Malekudiyas from their forest lands citing that it belongs to Kudremukh National Park is a violation of the Forest Tribal Rights Act, said Prakash Karat, General Secretary, CPI (M).

Speaking at a discussion meet on 'The menace of Naxalism and Atrocities against Adivasis and their Human Rights' organized by 'Maanavata Vedike' in Mangalore on Sunday, Mr. Karat said that as per the Act passed in 2007, the law recognizes the land of the tribal people inside the forest. “If there is any proof that they had been living there and carrying on cultivation, then their land is recognized even inside the forest. They can own up to five hectares of land inside the forest”, Mr. Karat revealed.

There has to be an expert committee which has to conduct a survey and check the land ownership of the tribals. It is only after the recommendation and clearance of this committee can the lands be cleared and handed over to others. The Act demands that adivasis be consulted before their land is being acquired and only with their consent and a suitable compensation package besides relocation, can their lands be acquired, Mr. Karat added.

The senior Communist leader observed that Mr. Vittala and other members of his tribe had been resisting the move of the authorities to acquire their lands for a compensation of Rs. 10 lakhs. “We do not accept this interpretation of the government that by declaring a land as a national park one can drive away tribals who have been living there from centuries”, he said.

Stating that tribals across the country are being ill-treated in a similar manner, Mr. Karat said that rules are being violated in tribal dominated areas in certain states where the 5th schedule of the constitution applies. “In areas that come under the specifications of the 5th schedule of the constitution, there are provisions for the protection of land rights of tribal people. No one can aquire their lands just like that as per the schedule. It demands that permission be sought from the local panchayat. Not even the state government can interfere. The Supreme Court too had said in a judgement a few years ago that no land can be bought from the tribal people without their consent. But today, this law is also being violated”, Mr. Karat lamented.

Expressing his concerns over the government's attempts to make amendments in the Mines and Minerals Act, Mr. Karat said that the government is trying to give license to mining companies and others to carry out their operations even in the areas that come under the 5th schedule. “We have been raising objections to this amendment in the Parliament”, Mr. Karat said.

Pointing out that tribal people have been actually conserving forests, Mr. Karat said that it is wrong on the part of authorities to drive them away from their lands. “The government says it needs to protect forests and destruction of forests is taking place. But who is responsible for this destruction? It is not the tribal people. They have been living harmoniously with nature for centuries and have been conserving forests. The real destruction of forests is carried out by other vested interests. There is a nexus between bureaucrats,contractors, and smuggling mafia in cutting down forests and this happens right under the nose of the government”, he said.

Draconian laws being used against adivasis

Recalling that POTA was used by the government to torture hundreds of Muslims in the name of tackling terrorism, Mr. Karat said that the adivasis are also being targeted by the authorities now by using Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

“The honour killings being made on caste lines and atrocities against Dalits are not covered under Unlawful Activities Act but innocent adivasis are tortured using this Act. They are denied bail for six months and if the court is not satisfied about the proof of their innocence it even extends the bail denial period”, he said.

On Mr. Vittala and his father Mr. Linganna Malekudiya being charged with sedition and waging war against state, Mr. Karat said that that it was unfortunate that Bhagat Singh was charged with sedition and hanged during the British regime and the same charge of sedition has been charged against Mr. Vittala for possessing a book on Bhagat Singh. “The colonial tradition has continued”, he said.

Defence Committee

The district unit of the Vittala Malekudiya Defence Committee was formed on the occasion. Yashwant Maroli, President of Manavata Vedike, has been named the President of the Committee. Writer Sara Aboobakkar has been named the Vice President of the Committee. Muneer Katipalla, DYFI leader, has been chosen General Secretary. Ramachandra Babbukatte, Vasudev Uchil and advocate BM Bhat have been named secretaries.

Prakash Karat advised the Committee to mobilse public opinion in favour of Mr. Vittala Malekudiya.

G K Govindarao, thinker and actor, is the state President of the Defence Committee.

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Rare Asiatic lion among exotic species arrives at Pilikula Zoo in record animal exchange

News Network

November 5,2024

Mangaluru: Pilikula Biological Park has welcomed several exotic species, including a six-year-old Asiatic lion, a wolf, two gharial crocodiles, and four rare birds (two silver pheasants and two yellow-golden pheasants), as part of an animal exchange programme with Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha. The exchange was approved by the Central Zoo Authority, marking a major addition to Pilikula Zoo's growing collection.

Animal Exchange Details

Park Director H Jayaprakash Bhandary provided insights into the exchange programme. In return for the new arrivals, Pilikula Zoo will send four dholes (wild dogs), four rare reticulated pythons, two Brahminy kites, three Asian palm civets, and two large egrets to Nandankanan Zoo. Notably, all animals sent from Pilikula were born in the zoo, showcasing the zoo's success in breeding rare species.

Purpose of the Exchange

The animal exchange programme serves multiple purposes, including providing companions for solitary animals and preserving pure bloodlines. Pilikula Zoo already houses three lions, and the new male Asiatic lion was introduced as a companion. Since the number of Asiatic male lions in Indian zoos is relatively low, the zoo sourced this lion from the distant Nandankanan Zoological Park.

Care During Transport

To ensure the animals' safety and well-being during the 2,000-kilometre journey — the longest distance covered in Pilikula’s animal exchange history — two veterinary officers and eight caretakers from Nandankanan accompanied the animals. Both zoos will share equal responsibility for the care of the exchanged animals.

Future Animal Additions and Revenue Boost

Pilikula Biological Park, home to approximately 1,200 animals, birds, and reptiles, is one of India’s 18 large zoos. Discussions are ongoing for future exchanges with other prominent zoos, including Chhatbir Zoo in Punjab, Byculla Zoo in Mumbai, and the Madras Crocodile Bank. The zoo also plans to introduce rare species like the Anaconda and the Humboldt penguin, for which special enclosures will be built, thanks to donor contributions.

The addition of these rare animals and birds is expected to boost the zoo’s revenue, helping it become self-sustaining, Bhandary said.

Quarantine and Public Display

Before being introduced to the public, the new arrivals will spend around 15 days in a quarantine ward to adapt to the local environment. They will receive necessary vaccinations and treatments during this period, after which they will be displayed to visitors.

Record-breaking Exchange

This animal exchange marks a significant achievement for Pilikula Zoo, with the animals being transported over approximately 2,000 kilometres from Nandankanan Zoological Park. This sets a new record, surpassing the previous longest exchange with Udaipur Zoo in Rajasthan, which was around 1,700 kilometres.

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