WHERE ARE WE? STILL IN STONE AGE?

This was the question that raked the mind of a minister, yesterday.

The Agriculture and district in charge minister Mr.Alangur Srinivas paid a visit to the tribal colony at Nittur in South Kodagu. The approach to the colony was a road less road. The path was filled with slush and flood waters. Yet the minister along with the local MLA Mr.Basavaraju, Deputy commissioner Mr.Subodh yadav dared the path and entered the colony.

But…. people ran helter - skelter as the group was entering the colony. The officials tried in vain to call the people back who only increased their speed and disappeared in wilderness!

“What is this? Why are they running?” a disturbed minister questioned.

Yes, they run at the sight of people from the town and especially so, if they notice Khaki dressed people, someone said.

He could find only one old man aged 86, Mr.Mari inside a hut. Rest of the huts housed only women and children seated pressed against the corner walls, as though to protect themselves from an attack. Men had all gone away.

He questioned Mani why all the men ran away. Mani with desperation narrated that they are being harassed and tortured by the forest department. We don’t know why we are punished.

Mr.Srinivas told him politely whether they wish to go to a better place, leaving forest. Mari said in negative. “Our forefathers spent their life here and died here. Even we would like to die here, also our children” said Mari.

If at all you want to provide us any facility, give it here only and not elsewhere, he said with a firm conviction.

He spoke with a lady who complained that they do not have water facility, no electricity, no roads….the list continued. The minister asked the officials why this step motherly attitude? Another lady said they are not given cards and ration items.

Mr.Srinivas instructed the officials to immediately provide them all the facilities. He cautioned them that he would personally inspect whether the facilities are provided, during his next visit. He also warned that the officials would have to face the wrath of the government if the schemes meant for the Tribes do not reach them.

Yes, they live the life of animals without any facilities, without any protection. While elephants and wild life from inside the forest threaten them, the forest department due to impractical rules and insincere officials is harassing them.

BJP FLAYS MINISTER;

The district BJP in a press conference condemned the district in charge minister Mr.Srinivas and said that he paid visit to the flood hit areas only as eyewash.

The district BJP president Mr.S.G.Medappa stated that the minister failed to visit when his presence was required and has come when the rain fury subsided.

He urged the government to release rain damage funds immediately.

KPCC TEAM URGES FUND REVIEWING;

The team of KPCC yesterday toured the district and inspected the affected areas.

Adrressing scribes after their visit, former minister and the team leader Mr.T.B.Jayacahandra urged the governemt to review the Calamity fund policy and increase the amount.

He said that the central government should review the policy as the amount being released to the victims is unscientific.

Former minister Mr.K.J.George, KPCC general secretary mr.Ramachandrappa, DCC president Mrs.Veena Achaiah, mrs.Jayanthi shetty were present.