Khammam: Gothikoyas, though indigenous Indians, are being viewed as foreigners by the police and forest officials.
Their habitations are being demolished ruthlessly and their crops destroyed in the name of encroachments. However, there is an argument to protect them and show a way to live them in peaceful way.
Gothikoyas migrate to Telangana from Chhattisgarh following the increase in the movement of police forces in the area to counter Maoists.
This migration has turned into a curse for them and their naivete is also a barrier. They do not know how to highlight their problem nor do have any idea on whom to approach when faced with problem of sustainability.
Civil rights activists say that Gothikoyas are not even given status of third-class citizen in the country. Social scientists used to argue that they should be extended all assistance for the sake of the country.
There has been a marginal change as far as the view of the government on the issue of Gothikoyas as far as Khammam and Bhadradri-Kothagudem districts are concerned. Officials have started issuing ration and job cards under MNREGS to them. There are above 250 Gothikoya habitations in the two districts and they are as agricultural labourers.
They can be made as useful to the society if the government used their talents in different fields like agriculture.
It is now decided to tap the talent of these tribal folks in areas like archery. Though it takes some work to highlight their talents, such efforts are definitely bring relief to their hardships.
As part of these efforts, the Telangana Archery Association has decided to tap the talents in Gothikoya students. Khammam police commissioner Tafseer Iqbal and Bhadradri-Kothagudem district superintendent of police Ambar Kishore Jha have extended all assistance to the association.
As many as 27 Gothikoya boys and girls studying in a tribal welfare residential school in Kamalapuram under Mulakalapalli mandal in Bhadradri district were given archery kits, complete with bows and arrows.
Telangana Archery Association state president S Sarangapani said, “Gothikoyas have a natural talent for archery. The country will get the best archers if this talent is honed.”
