Gottikoya Tribals: Struggling to Reclaim Their Rights

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has requested reports from several states on the status of the Gottikoya tribals displaced by Maoist violence in Chhattisgarh. These internally displaced persons face significant hardships without social security benefits, as they struggle to establish their rights in new states.

The displacement of the Gottikoya tribals due to Maoist violence in Chhattisgarh has prompted the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes to call for a detailed report from the Home Ministry and several states. The commission aims to discuss their situation in a meeting set for December 9.

According to a petition received by the commission, roughly 50,000 Gottikoya tribals relocated to neighboring states in 2005 to escape Maoist guerrilla and Indian security forces' conflict. These tribals now face significant challenges in 248 settlements across regions such as Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.

The Telangana government reportedly reclaimed land from some Gottikoya settlements, posing severe livelihood and vulnerability issues. Tribal rights activists have highlighted these matters, urging immediate policy decisions at the national level.

(With inputs from agencies.)