Chhattisgarh tribals rally to 'save' water and land

Tribespeople in Narayanpur says the Amadai mine should not be given on lease as any mining activity in the area could create problems for them.

Narayanpur: Even as thousands of farmers are protesting against new farm laws on the Delhi border, hundreds of tribals here also agitating for their rights on 'Jal, Jungle and Zameen' (water, forest and land).

According to sources they are also demanding the immediate release of the villagers arrested while participating in the protest.

Opposing the government's decision to give Amadai mine on lease, the tribals say that the police were projecting the arrested tribals as Naxals.

They have also opposed the government plan to set up a police camp in their area.

It is learnt that they plan to continue with their protest till December 17. The tribals started the agitation on November 13 in Kathihameta but moved to Narayanpur later.

On Thursday, over six tribals remained in the protest with their traditional arms. Women also participated in the agitation.

The protesting tribal have said that they would not allow any vehicle other than that being used for essential services.

Tribals, who have gathered here with ration and other essentials, say they would not call off their strike unless and until their demands are meant.

They say the Amadai mine should not be given on lease as any mining activity in the area could create problems for them. Government talks, aimed at resolving the issue, have failed as the tribals, who are sitting in the protest with their children and wives.