Tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh face challenges from ganja cultivation and strict NDPS laws, while non-tribal traders profit. (DC File Image)
VISHAKHAPATNAM: Adivasi have for decades been sandwiched between two powerful forces – police and Maoists. Police suspected the forest-dwelling tribal people, particularly the youth, of siding with Maoists, once popular as Naxalites.
When People's War Group and CPI (Maoists) once held sway in undivided districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam, para-military forces as well as the Greyhounds special units had been involved in several encounters, leading to numerous deaths. Many tribal people had been arrested under oppressive laws like TADA and UAPA.
Talking to this correspondent, Tribal activist Rama Rao highlighted that unable to face the might of police and Maoists, many Adivasi youth fled to urban areas, such as Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Vijayawada, disrupting their education and community lives.
However, Maoist activities have now diminished. But Adivasi are facing a new challenge in the form of ganja cultivation. Traders from Tamil Nadu and Kerala began targeting tribal people living along the borders of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The traders gave tribal farmers high-yield cannabis seeds, promising them lucrative returns.
However, the Adivasi gained little, while traders exploited children of tribal farmers to smuggle the contraband across the state’s borders. While the lucky ones made their way to their destination, many got caught. Police booked them under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act and put them in various jails.
In Visakhapatnam Central Jail, out of 1,090 people under NDPS remand, 360 are Adivasi from ASR (Alluri Sitarama Raju) district. In Rajamahendravaram Central Jail, 125 out of 400 persons booked under NDPS are tribal people.
In Visakhapatnam Central Jail, out of 1,090 people under NDPS remand, 360 are Adivasi from ASR (Alluri Sitarama Raju) district. In Rajamahendravaram Central Jail, 125 out of 400 persons booked under NDPS are tribal people.
In NDPS cases, bail conditions are strict, requiring significant cash bonds, which most tribal families cannot afford. This leads to their prolonged imprisonment, another Adivasi activist pointed out.
While Adivasi suffer, non-tribal traders and political leaders have profited significantly from ganja trade. Some traders have diversified into mall and lodge businesses, while politicians have reportedly funded their election campaigns with proceeds from sales of illegal cannabis.
Suggesting proactive measures, Rama Rao has asked the government to pay better procurement prices for turmeric, coffee, pepper and other crops that tribal people grow, announce special DSC for Adivasi youth, and revive GO 3, which provided 100 per cent reservation for ST candidates while recruiting teachers in the agency areas.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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