Kothagudem: CPI-M politburo member Brinda Karat has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao are violating the rights of adivasis on forest lands and trying to alienate the adivasis from their lands.
“Adivasis have every right over the forest produce under the fifth schedule of the Constitution. Adivasi lands are being acquired in the name of extraction of minerals from open cast mines, irrigation and other projects. Compensation is being denied to them by citing flimsy reasons,” she said.
The CPI-M leader said about two lakh farmers had applied for possession rights over forest lands under relevant law. The state government cleared only one lakh acres for the purpose so far.
“At the same time, forest officials are driving out adivasis from their land on advice from government. KCR is unleashing government machinery on adivasis to promote the interests of corporate forces,” she alleged.
Brinda Karat said forest officials are…
