MP tribals begin march to New Delhi, demand land

Thousands of tribesmen demanding free government land have started a march to New Delhi from Gwalior.

Gwalior, Oct 3 : Thousands of tribesmen demanding free government land have started a march to New Delhi from Gwalior.

The march to New Delhi will culminate on October 28 after traversing 320 kilometres.

The tribals, who are basically forest dwellers, were forced out of their natural habitats after forests were declared as state property in 1947.

The protesters demanded re-distribution of land and implementation of the National Land Commission.

"The issue of land should be solved in this country. Every individual should have enough land to cultivate wheat and a roof over his head. It was promised when the country achieved independence that landless would be given land. But today, they are snatching away our lands," said P.V. Rajgopal, national president of Ekta Parishad.

Protestors said they would go on an indefinites strike if the government did not accede to their demands.

"The government will have to meet demands of 250,00 landless, and if not, then we will go on an indefinite strike. The government will have to give us land," said Manju, a tribal activist.

ANI