Government plans to quell Adivasi rally

RANCHI: Adivasi Aakrosh Maharally scheduled for Saturday is allegedly being targeted by the administration to ensure the tribal community does not get a chance to raise its voice against the Raghubar Das government.
Chief convener of the rally Bandhu Tirkey said it was undemocratic on part of the government to prevent people from attending the rally.
"There have been announcements in villages by the administration that people must not gather in large numbers," he said, accusing the government of trying to put undue pressure on those tribal organisations preparing for the protest.
More than 40 different tribal organisations have extended support to the rally in Ranchi. Earlier during preparatory meets, few BJP leaders, including MLAs from tribal districts, participated and expressed solidarity with the common cause.
Sources in BJP said the government has taken special care to ensure that BJP tribal leaders do not take part in the rally in the name of protection of tribal rights.
Tirkey said the rally was not being organised under any political banner.
"Tribal land Acts - Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) and Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) act are being amended at one hand and on the other, the definition of locals have given ample space to non-tribals cutting across their legitimate share of government jobs," he said, extending open invitation to all tribal leaders to join the rally and fight for the cause.