What Happened to Over 100 Tribal Families in Sidhi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Over 100 Tribal families rendered homeless in Sidhi.
- Demolition carried out following a court ruling.
- Many families have lived on the land for generations.
- Inadequate government support for rehabilitation.
- Urgent action needed to assist vulnerable families.
Sidhi, May 30 (NationPress) In a distressing turn of events, over 100 Tribal families have been compelled to seek shelter in the open or in makeshift accommodations after their residences, which they had inhabited for generations, were demolished by the Madhya Pradesh government in Sidhi district.
Located about 650 km from Bhopal, this demolition operation was executed by the Revenue Department following a favorable court ruling for the landowner, Mrigendra Singh.
Reports indicate that these Tribal families had resided on the land for three to four generations, providing shelter for over 100 landless Kol Tribal families.
The Tribals claimed they were informed of the court decision mere hours before the landowner, accompanied by Revenue Department officials and police, arrived with bulldozers to raze their homes.
Previously, the civil court had ruled in favor of the landowner, mandating the administration to clear the land of encroachments by May 7.
However, the Madhya Pradesh government failed to adequately rehabilitate the Tribals. Only about 40 to 45 affected Tribal families were moved to makeshift shelters, leaving over 50 families to endure life in the open, including vulnerable children and elderly parents.
The situation gained attention after former minister Kamleshwar Patel visited the area and shared videos showcasing the plight of the Tribal families.
Patel emphasized that these Tribals are illiterate and unable to understand the court notification. He criticized the administration's actions as deeply inhumane, stating, “Children are lying exposed on the roadside, and the rainy season has already begun.”
He further remarked that while the landowner has legally prevailed, the treatment of impoverished Tribals is unjust.
“These families are left to fend for themselves in the open with their children. The Collector has assured that affected families will receive land or housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana,” Patel informed IANS.
In response, District Collector Swarochish Somavanshi stated that arrangements for the families would be addressed within the next few days.