Tribal Organizations’ Shutdown Call Gets Peaceful Response in Araku

The shutdown called by tribal organizations continued peacefully in Araku of Alluri district. Roads wore a deserted look as hotels, tiffin centres, tea shops, private establishments, schools and tourist spots remained closed. Buses that left Araku early in the morning towards the plains were operated, while the shutdown affected normal activities in the agency area. Tourists who arrived without knowing about the bandh faced some inconvenience.

The protesters demanded restoration of G.O. No. 3, government intervention in cases filed in the Supreme Court concerning the 1/70 tribal land protection provisions, and cancellation of orders related to hydropower projects in tribal areas. Supporting the bandh, tribal groups in Anakapalli district organised a rally from Bangaru Bandalu to Kalyanapulova in Ravikamatham mandal and staged a protest. Their other demands included bringing non-scheduled tribal villages under the Fifth Schedule, providing representation to local tribal organizations in SC/ST monitoring committees, establishing a polling booth at J. Jogampeta, issuing land titles to tribal cultivators, and handing over ceiling lands in Badampadu revenue limits to eligible tribal beneficiaries after a direct inspection by the District Joint Collector.