This was decided at the meeting held here to discuss the pros and cons of the Centre’s decision, here on Monday.
The members charged that the Union Government has taken unilateral decision without taking tribals into confidence. It was a sinister design to evict tribals from the forests in the name of protection of tigers.
Secretary of the Sangha C Madegowda told Deccan Herald that more than 17000 tribals are residing in 62 haadis in the sanctuary. The government had already deprived tribals of collecting forests minor produce and failed to implement the recommendations of Tribals Rights Bill, so far. Besides, the tribals have been burying bodies of deadones in forests from time immemorial.
” This decision is nothing but a death knell for their tribal culture, tradition and customs” he said.
Madegowda said they would kick start protest on ‘International Indigenous People Day’ and stage a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office and continue for 101 days starting from October 2. Memoranda would be submitted to officials, ministers of State and Union Governments, Prime Minister and others. About 2000 tribals are expected to participate in the protest. The tribals should not be evicted from the BRT sanctuary and to come out with a suitable forest policy utilising their services in the protection of forest and natural resources.
He urged the government to protect tribal temples and other holy places in the forests and demanded compensation for those who have already been evicted from Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks. The protest would not be called off till the fulfilment of their demands.