Thousands of Bastar tribals are unwilling to return home
Raipur | Correspondent: The Central government has acknowledged that more than 10,000 tribal families hailing from Bastar after dispersion to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh did not return.
Despite being informed about the rehabilitation plans and security arrangements available through security camps, the government claims that the affected family chose not to return to their native place.
Notably, on June 4, 2005, the Salwa Judum campaign was launched against the Maoists, led by Congress leader Mahendra Karma with the support of the then state government. As part of this campaign, the state government evacuated 644 villages in the undivided Dantewada district, citing Maoist attacks.
The population of these villages were secured in 17 different government relief camps. Besides, a large population of tribals had migrated to Andhra Pradesh.
Meanwhile, severe allegations of murder and rape were leveled against the people involved in Salwa Judum. Additionally, concerns were raised about the government arming civilians, and the issue was brought before the Supreme Court.
Subsequently, the Supreme Court strongly criticized the government regarding the Salwa Judum campaign. On July 5, 2011, the Supreme Court ruled for the complete disbandment of Salwa Judum.
<a href=”https://main.sci.gov.in/jonew/judis/38160.pdf” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>pronounced</a> verdict.
Unable to return to their villages
The most painful aspect of the six year long campaign was that a large population of 644 villagers were evacuated by the government and were forced to live in these camps indefinitely.
Tribals who had migrated to Andhra Pradesh could never return to their land.
The adivasis during the previous government met with former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur and requested an initiative to bring back those living outside the state. They also met with the then minister Kawasi Lakhma, who declined to intervene, questioning who would take responsibility for the safety of the returning tribals !
Migration of Madia, Muria, Dorla, Halba, Dhurva, and Gond tribes
The central government has acknowledged that it surveyed 103 out of the 644 villages evacuated during the Salwa Judum campaign, finding that thousands of tribals in three districts have been affected.
In Sukma, a survey of 85 villages showed that 9,703 tribals from 2,229 families have been impacted, including members of the Dorla, Muria, and Dhurva communities.
In Bijapur, 579 individuals from 119 families in 8 villages were affected, encompassing the Dorla, Muria, and Gond communities.
Additionally, a survey of 10 villages in Dantewada revealed 41 affected families, totaling 208 tribals, including members of the Muria, Madia, Gond, and Halba communities.
