Kui tribals in Odisha’s Kandhamal demand early solution to problems
Reported by Simanchal Pattanaik
Phulbani, June 13:
Hundreds of members of tribal group ‘Kui Samanwaya Samiti’ on Friday met Kandhamal District collector Yamini Sarangi and demanded early solution of issues they have been facing like lack of agricultural land, caste based discrimination, deprivation from education and health benefits etc.
Members of the organisation, led by its General Secretary Lambodar Kanhar, also submitted a memorandum for the Chief Minister.
The Kui tribals, notorious for their armed protests, dropped their usual show of strength and were rather peaceful at yesterday’s rally. However, they made sure to issue a deadline to the district administration to fulfill their demands.
“We have submitted a memorandum for the Chief Minister through the collector for a solution to some of the pressing issues we are facing like: lack of agricultural land and ownership of land, caste based discrimination and caste certificates, facilitation of health and education benefits and placement of local candidates in 3rd and 4th grade government jobs. We are hopeful of an early solution, but would take to the streets to protest democratically if our demands are not met,” said Kanhar.
District collector Sarangi assured members of the Kui fraternity of quick action and briefed them of the steps already taken on their demands.
“Some of the demands have already been met. We are working on others that are under our control. Rest of the issues would need intervention from the State Government. We are prioritising the issues and trying to solve the forest, caste certificate and land ownership issues at the earliest,” said Sarangi.
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