Families turn refugees in their own land

KORAPUT: The conflict between the district administration and the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha has made 40 families of Jhadipadra village in Narayanpatna block refugees in their own land. They are living in the Kumbhagaon, on the outskirts of Koraput town, for the last five months under deplorable conditions, in constant fear of being attacked. There is no long-term solution in sight.  Sources said the families were asked by a group of villagers in Jhadipadra, owing  allegiance to the Sangha, to join their fight against the administration over land and forest rights. When the families refused, the group asked them to leave the place and settle elsewhere.“After the Narayanpatna violence, the group of villagers wanted us to join them. They also threatened us with dire consequences. Subsequently, three fellow villagers were hacked to death for not supporting them,” said Lachani Sirka, a victim. This forced the 40 families to flee. All these families are now living an uncertain life with no access to health facilities, drinking water, food and shelter. They have started working as daily wagers for livelihood. “As many as 30 children in the families have not been to school for the last five months,” said Rasma Sirika, an elderly woman. She added that there are five pregnant women in the families who are finding it difficult to visit the Koraput town to avail of medical facilities. Sub-Collector Ramakanta Naik has admitted to their plight and promised to look into the issue. Meanwhile, members of the citizens forum urged the district administration to provide these families with basic facilities at Kumbhagaon.