Historic Massive Rally of Forest Dwellers in Sirsi
By The News Observer Desk,
Sirsi: In a massive show of strength, thousands of forest-dwelling families from across Uttara Kannada district today forced the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) to publicly announce an immediate stay on the ongoing eviction (okkalabisu) process under the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963.
The historic protest, organised under the banner of Aranya Bhumi Hakku Horatagarara Vedike, began this morning at Yallapur Naka near the CCF office in Sirsi. Led by veteran forest rights activist and Vedike president Ravindra Naik, the agitators first sat on a three-hour dharna demanding the personal presence of the District Collector. When that demand was not immediately met, they intensified the protest and insisted that CCF Heeralal himself come to the spot and receive their memorandum in public.
https://youtu.be/vybT3KuwcSc
Under immense pressure, senior officials including SP Deepan M.N., Sirsi Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kavyarani, and Deputy Conservator of Forests Sandeep Suryavanshi persuaded the CCF to come to the protest site. After prolonged negotiations, CCF Heeralal made the following public announcements:
- Immediate stay on eviction proceedings against all forest dwellers who have filed claims for up to 10 acres under the Forest Rights Act, 2006
- No coercive action or atrocities will be permitted against FRA applicants
- The grievances regarding evictions will be brought to the notice of the government
- A special meeting will be organised in Joida within the next 15 days to address ongoing atrocities on alleged encroachers there
Following the written assurance and public declaration, the protesters erupted in joy. They hoisted veteran leader Ravindra Naik on their shoulders, burst crackers and took out a massive victory procession from the CCF office to the Municipal Sabha Bhavan amid thunderous slogans of “Jai Adivasi! Jai Forest Rights!”
The procession later turned into a victory celebration meeting.
Key demands accepted/submitted in writing:
- Complete stay on evictions under Section 64A of Karnataka Forest Act for all FRA applicants
- Suo moto cancellation of all eviction orders issued after 28-02-2019
- Immediate halt to all harassment and criminal cases against traditional forest dwellers
- Re-examination of pre-27-04-1978 encroachment list and obtaining fresh Central Government approval as required under law
- Quashing of 27-year-old FIRs being used now for fresh evictions
Prominent leaders present included Ibrahim Gawdalli, Raju Narebail, Manjunath Marati (Kumta), Shivanand Jogi (Mundgod), Mableshwar Naik Bedkani, Suresh Mesta (Honnavar), Rajesh Mitra Naik (Ankola), Annappa Naik (Anni geri), Ganapati Naik (Bedasgaon), Harish Naik, Mahesh Salkod, Nehru Naik, MR Naik and several others.
Today’s powerful agitation in Sirsi has once again proved that united forest dwellers can force the system to bow down and respect their constitutional rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
Reporting and Videography by Saikiran Babrekar
