|
Guttikoya Adivasis Flee Civil War |
|
Fleeing violence erupting between CPI (M-L) Maoist and government backed Salva Judum militant groups more than 45,000 forest dwelling advisasis of the Guttikoya community, have left the state of Chattisgarh. Some are living in the neighboring forests of Khammam, in AP. Legally they are called Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Guttikoya children collect drinking water from one of the few pumps available in the forests near Bhadrachalam, Andhra Pradesh where they have fled from Chattisgarh
Struggling to survive, the villagers are getting no help from any government. Two AID-Kakinada volunteers visited the villages and reported on needs for immediate relief and civil rights work required for these communities to access basic rights to life, livelihood and government services such as anganwadi (maternal and child services), rations, National Rural Employment Guarantee cards, and panchayat representation. Professor K. Kodandaram, advisor in the Right to Food visited these villages and will send his report through the commissioner to the Supreme Court, and seek relief from the Centre.
AID, partnering with Agriculture and Social Development Society has supported initial relief for 25 villages. Action AID is helping survey the villages and train youth to apply for government recognition and services. AID volunteers in Hyderabad and Kakinada will help raise awareness in the wider community on the struggle of these internally displaced persons.
|
