Editorial 2: Call for permanent settlement for tribals 

Context

Most of the displaced tribals, especially the younger generation, are drawn to better economic opportunities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Introduction

In 2005, around 50,000 Gond tribals were forced to move to then-undivided Andhra Pradesh (now parts of Telangana) when the Government of India started the ‘strategic hamleting’ program, a method used in south Vietnamin the 1960s, to remove Maoists in Chhattisgarh. However, the project failed. The tribals, who were relocated to roadside camps, have mostly returned to the deep forests, while some, who couldn't go back due to fear of Maoists, joined the security forces.

• Some displaced tribals now play a key role in the military successes against Maoists in Chhattisgarh.
• Many Maoists who surrendered have joined them.
• Unlike central paramilitary forces and local non-tribal police, these tribals are familiar with the language and terrain of the area.
• They have proven to be game-changers, especially for Home Minister Amit Shah, who has stated that the war against Maoists will end by March 31, 2026.

The Strategic Hamlet Program

• The Strategic Hamlet Program to fight communist revolutionaries is not new in India.
• Post-Independence (1949), the Government of India moved tribals from forests to roadside camps to fight the Telangana communist revolutionaries after the surrender of the Nizam.
• Hundreds of tribals were recruited as “special police constables” to fight the communist dalam groups.
• These tribals had basic weapons (spears, axes) and no military training.
• A special group of Koya tribals, known as the “Tiger Squad”, had around 300 members.

Success of Strategic Hamlet Strategy

• The strategy was more successful in Mizoram during the 1960s, where a peace deal was eventually reached with Mizo fighters.
• In 2019, a new conflict between Mizo tribals and Bru (Reang) tribals led to thousands fleeing to Tripura, and the Government of India launched a Bru rehabilitation plan.

Challenges for Gutti Koya Tribals

• Gutti Koya tribals, living in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, have faced difficulties for nearly 20 years.
• They occupy illegally seized forest land and have received no state support.

Displacement and Statistics

• 10,000 Gond tribals displaced due to violence in Chhattisgarh now live in other states, most not wanting to return.
• Telangana reports 24,000 displaced tribals, and Andhra Pradesh reports 8,000.

Government Response

• The National Commission of Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has ordered a survey of displaced people in three months.
• A similar order was given in 2019, but the survey couldn't be conducted due to COVID-19.
• The Chhattisgarh government previously denied the displacement, stating no tribals had been displaced due to violence.

Issues Faced by Displaced Tribals

• Tribals face atrocities from forest officials, police, and local tribals who view them as encroachers.
• Maoists prevent them from returning to their homes.
• State authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are unwilling to recognize them as tribals.

Legal Issues: Forest Rights Act (FRA)

• Clause 3.1(m) of the FRA states that if a tribal person had to leave forest land before December 13, 2005, they should be given alternative forest land.
• Many displaced tribals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have applied for alternative forest land, but Chhattisgarh has not processed these applications for over five years.
• Chhattisgarh has not engaged with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs or the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana about these applications.

Comparisons to Bru Rehabilitation Plan

• Under the 2019 Bru Rehabilitation Plan, Bru tribals were given the choice to return to Mizoram or stay in Tripura with limited support.
• A new generation of Gutti Koya tribals has grown up in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, but they are denied tribal status.

Request for Central Intervention

• Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana provide humanitarian support but refuse to treat the tribals as officially recognized tribals.
• NCST representatives have requested Central Home Ministry intervention to address the issue of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and provide them the necessary support.

Conclusion

Many displaced tribals, especially the younger generation, are drawn to the better economic opportunities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and want to stay. Telangana has taken over their farmland, planting trees to push them back to Chhattisgarh, while Andhra Pradesh has destroyed any attempts to build new homes in the forest. Although the courts have sometimes helped, the tribals are seeking a permanent settlement for a dignified life for the new generation.