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PVTGs protest for essential amenities on World Indigenous Day

Vijayawada: On the International Day of World's Indigenous Peoples, people belonging to several hamlets of the particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) in Anakapalli and ASR districts staged a protest riding on horsebacks.

They contended that there can be no celebration of World Indigenous Day when scores of tribal villages lack basic amenities, such as electricity, roads, potable water and educational institutions.

The protesters demonstrated over a three-kilometre distance, holding traditional torches (Kagadas) and carrying “doli”. They started from Pashuvulabanda village in V. Madugula mandal to Tanimani Junction via Ravikamat and Jeelugu village in Cheemalapadu panchayat.

Most PVTG participants in the unique protest belonged to Neredubandha, Jeelugululava, Pashuvulabanda and Sompurambandha, which are located in the bordering areas of Anakapalli and ASR districts.

AP Adivasi Tribal Association honorary president K. Govinda Rao said World Indigenous Day should not merely be commemorated as a festival, but recognised as a day to address the myriad challenges being faced by the Adivasi community.

AP PVTG Association president Kilo Suribabu said housing schemes and pensions are still a dream for Jilugulova village, which lacks crucial amenities, such as electricity and potable water.

Said tribal leader Sedari Rajababu, “While the central and state governments are making strides in infrastructure development and pioneering space missions, our villages are continuing to grapple with absence of roads and electricity.”

Caption: Tribal people demand that the government recognise World Adivasi Day as a day to liberate them from their problems.


( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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