People of five tribal communities in Koraput district have decided to boycott the coming Assembly and lok Sabha polls protesting against the Government’s failure to give them tribal status.
leaders of Dora, Muka Dora, Nuka Dora, Rana and Mali communities under the banner of the Koraput Zilla Banabasi Mahasangh (KZBBS), said the decision was taken last week. About two lakh voters of our communities will boycott the upcoming twin polls. Many times, both the State and Union Governments have been approached regarding the demand, but in vain, Mahasangh secretary Trinath Gamel said.
KZBBS president Gokul Chandra Khoda said members of the communities are deprived of various benefits meant for tribals.The Government should include them in the list of tribals and launch a special project for their development.
People of these communities mostly reside at Pottangi, Semiliguda and Nandapur blocks of the district and make a living for themselves by undertaking minor cultivation and collecting minor forest produce.
Koraput Assistant Sub-Collector Muralidhar Swain has reportedly said that it is up to the community members to decide whether they should participate in the elections or not as the administration cannot force anybody to take part in poll process.