Accusing governments and corporates of looting tribals of their resources and causing their migration, JD(U) and GGP today gave a "wake up" call to adivasis to "fight for your rights".
At a rally organised by JD(U) and Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP), it was also decided to take a delegation of tribal representatives to President Pranab Mukherjee and seek his intervention in protecting tribal rights, which are being "suppressed".
Addressing a substantial gathering of adivasis clad in traditional costumes at Jantar Mantar here, JD(U) president Sharad Yadav accused governments, corporate houses, NGOs and traders of "looting" them by "capturing" their resources and causing their migration.
"For the first time in the country, these people will make a submission of demands including their basic problems. It is the most exploited community in the country and their voice has remained suppressed until now.
"It is time you wake up, fight for your rights. You will have to gather strength in Lok Sabha too," Yadav said, calling for a sustained fight against the "loot" of tribal resources.
Adivasis from Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Haryana, Odisha and other states took part in the rally.
Seven-time Gujarat MLA, Chhotu Bhai Vasava, expressed concerns over non-implementation of Constitutional provisions meant for the community.
"The Constitutional provisions meant for tribals are not being implemented. Hence, we are facing hardships. Our resources are being looted. There are 11 crore tribals in the country. But none is considered as a human being, but an animal. We will rally across the country and claim our rights," Vasava told reporters after the rally.
Calling the Modi government a "moody government" and one "aggressively pursuing pro-corporate policies", GPP chief Hira Singh Markam said his party will "not tolerate" anymore migration of tribals in the name of mines and factories.
