'Tribals being exploited for state's development'

RANCHI: On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, activists here organized a conference at the social development centre of Ranchi and discussed the poor plight of the tribals in this nation even after 67 years of its independence.
Speaking at the occasion, general secretary of Jharkhand Human rights movement Gladson Dungdung said on Monday, "Tribals in this state are more affected in comparison to any state other in the country.Here, even the basic human rights are infringed and people have been exploited for centuries. If they oppose, they are crusaded by the administration and termed as rebels. Not a single policy has been passed till date which makes provision of tribal development. We are not against the government but we are questioning them why are the tribals of this state treated in an inhuman way?"
Speaking at the occasion, president of Jangal Bachao Andolan movement, Sanjay Basu Mullick said, "Right direction and positive approach is necessary for development and tribal welfare ."
Dungdung said the state has a rich deposit of ores worth more than 80 billion dollars in scheduled areas. He said, "As most of these areas come under Chotanagpur Tenancy Act 1908, which governs land issues and prevent alienation, exploiting the ores here is not easy. But despite the act, tribals were displayed and some of them had to leave the state."
Archana Marandi, a social activist said, "Development model is usually restricted to the urban areas, so there is no possibility or scope for the tribals to score here."
of development, tribals were made to lose their identity and if this continues perhaps the day is not far when we will be considered as extinct. It is high time people should unite against the injustice meted out to us."
A book by Gladson Dundung and Sunil Minz named "Vikas ke Kabrgah" was also released by Bishop Charles Soreng, Ashwin Kumar Pankaj, Sanjay Basu Mallick and Aparna Marandi at the conference.