Source: The Hindu
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA, September 3, 2001: The Adivasi-Dalit Action Council has resolved to intensify its stir launched on the eve of Thiruvonam day to highlight its long-standing demands. Adivasis, the tribal people of India, planned to block the Onam pageantry to be held at the culmination of the week-long celebrations. Even as hundreds of Adivasis were facing death due to starvation, the Government was squandering hundreds of thousands of rupees on Onam celebrations, Council chairperson alleged. One of the major demands of the Council is the withdrawal of the Tribal Protection Bill adopted by the Kerala Assembly in 1999, which in effect was detrimental to the interests of the more than 350,000 tribal population in the State. Around 200,000 tribals continue to be landless and remained alienated in their own territory. The council was also concerned about the organized attempts by the “liquor mafia” to lure tribal youth into the liquor smuggling business. Those who resisted such offers and petty favors were allegedly being tortured and killed.