Prominent tribal leaders from across the State have demanded for creation of a Public Forum for all displaced people and to deal with the menace of displacement in the name of development. The decision was taken unanimously by eminent leaders and tribal activists during a book launch ceremony on Saturday that predominately covers some pivotal displacement case studies anthology from across the country.
According to the writer Vasvi Kiro and tribal activists, the most neglected subject, displacement has just brought agony for the most vulnerable sections of the society, women and children. Activists also cited that the issue of displacement has been largely ignored by the government, in spite of knowing about its outcomes. The book conceived and written by popular tribal leader, Vasvi Kiro covers up some distressing moment and several major failure of the government in the name of development.
The book titled ‘Displacement issue across India: Concept and History’ enfolds the heart-rending journey of migrants displaced from their land that once belonged to them. From history of Narmada Aandolan to the outrage of public at Jharkhand’s Kolebira, a small block in Simdega district has been drafted out well chronologically in the book.
Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Babulal Marandi who was present on the occasion as the Guest of Honour said that State government instead of acquiring land from the people in low amount, should take lands from people on lease. Marandi said that as a responsible ruling party, the State government should not suppress the voice of minority and all must be given equal rights to keep their views.
Meanwhile, appreciating the endeavor of Kiro who has pen downed this book on displacement, Founder of AJSU Party, Prabhakar Tirkey said that besides highlighting the issue of displacement while taking up some prominent examples, its consequences has been also written down well.
“The after effect of displacement has been jotted down in the book well. Especially in Jharkhand’s context, the government here has just tried to cover up it loopholes in the name of development, public interest has been always sidelined violating the constitution schedules. Here the development policy of the government is farce,” added Tirkey.
Tirkey and some other activists also cited that in the name of displacement, CNT Act that has special mention in the Indian Constitution, the government is attempting hard to change the nature of the bills by stifling the minority class. Kiro on the occasion has demanded for including a syllabus on displacement issue at the college level. Kiro further said it is the Dalits and tribal people who have suffered the most in the name of development and the subject has never been highlighted.
Brainstorming on few other important agendas, activists and tribal leaders unanimously passed the proposal on making Kolebira power plant scheme ineffective. Activists also said that Netarhat field firing range notification must be out while taking up HEC displacement matter, NTPC Godda project among the other core agendas.