Gunupur, 13th Aug 2025: On the occasion of World Tribal Day on August 9, a grand tribal procession was held starting from the Gunupur New Bus Stand organized by the Tribal Struggle Morcha. The procession showcased traditional tribal musical instruments, dance, and songs, creating a festive atmosphere in Gunupur.
Following this, at the Birsa Munda statue in Biju Kalyan Mandap, floral tributes were paid, and a discussion circle was organized by the tribal community.
In the discussion, Justir Mahapatra, state editor of the CPI (ML) Liberation, condemned the central and state governments’ anti-tribal policies. He stated that in the name of “development,” efforts are underway to eradicate tribal languages, culture, and natural religions. Tribal languages and scripts have not been granted constitutional rights. Natural resources are being plundered under the guise of development.
Conspiracies are underway to dispossess tribals of their constitutional rights over land, water, and forests as enshrined in the country’s constitution and PESA law. For ages, tribals have been victims of exploitation and deception. Their constitutional rights remain neglected to this day. The 2006 Forest Rights Act has not been effectively implemented.
Tribal lands held under customary rights are being usurped by revenue officials in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The government ignores the plight of tribals and grants land rights to big companies.
State Assembly Speaker Tripti Gamang has appealed that if the government continues to violate tribal rights in the coming days, a strong movement will be launched.
Prominent attendees of the program included Kailash Sabar, Anasim Sabar, Aniruddha Nishika, Niranjan Bidika, Tripti Kadraka, Achana Mandangi, Mathu Raita, Sanjib Sabar, Rajendra Majhi, Madhab Kadraka, Simad Patika, Ashtam Ulka, Ramesh Bidika, Majesh Sabar, Basu Matmalaka, Pushpa Bidika, Somnath Majhi, Pinki Sabar, Muni Sabar, and Agaya Sabar.
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