Warangal: Violence broke out at the Medaram tribal shrine on Thursday when Adivasi community members protested against the swearing-in of two Lambada community members to the temple committee.
Adivasi community members have been demanding the exclusion of Lambadas from the ST category, and said Lambadas should not be included in the board meant for a tribal temple.
Some activists smashed the window panes of cars parked outside the endowments office while the swearing-in was going on inside. The car of tribal welfare minister A. Chandulal’s son was also damaged.
The endowment department constituted the trust board with 15 members, of whom three were Adivasis and two Lambadas, The others belonged to different groups and castes.
The Adivasis, who were opposed to the inclusion of the Lambadas, gathered outside the building to stop the programme but were stopped by the police from entering.
Amid pushing and shoving, Adivasi activists started throwing stones at the parked cars. The police arrested the agitators and shifted them to the Tadvai police station.
Thudum Debba state president Vattem Upender said they are opposed to the intrusion of Lambadas in the affairs of Adivasis. “The Lambadas are least bothered about our traditions and customs,” he said.
Their only aim is to make money in the name of the temple. This exploitation of adivasis must stop immediately,” he said.
Adivasi employees association state general secretary Mankidi Buchanna said they had presented a representation to Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan and different government officials asking them to not include Lambadas in the board. “Our pleas were ignored,” he said. He stated that they would not allow the Lambadas to manage their affairs.
Speaking to mediapersons later, Mr Azmeera Prahlad said the Adivasi members should have sorted out the issue in an amiable manner. "We condemn this violent behaviour. We believe some persons instigated the Adivasis for their political gain,” he said.
