Two documents are very basic and
fundamental in this regard:
I.
G.O.Rt.No3643/98/RD and dated 13/08/1998
100 acres of land that formed
part of the land assigned to Pookode Tribal Society was transferred
as per the above G.O. to Kerala Agricultural University for starting
a Veterinary college, subject to the following conditions:
(i) The appointment of farm
labourers in the farm attached to the college will be made from the
members of the families settled in Pookode Dairy Project;
(ii) While making appointments to
the posts in the college, the qualified persons of these families
will be given priority.
This means the entire farm
labour attached to the college is the RIGHT OF THE COMMUNITY of
settled tribal families in the Pookode Dairy Project. And qualified
persons from tribal community should be given priority while making
appointments in other posts in the college.
II.
Kerala Agricultural University
Proceedings: No A4/1343/99 dated 1.6.2001
Sub: Construction of residential
quarters (type I) for rehabilitating the tribals in the land
selected for the college of Veterinary. & Animal Sciences, Pookode –
Administrative sanction – orders issued.
ORDER
“The land for establishing
college of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode was handed over
by the Government on the condition that the tribal families living
in the handed over land is to be rehabilitated in the balance land
of the Pookode Dairy Project. At present 26 Tribal families are
residing in the campus and hence 26 housing writs are to be
constructed urgently. Accordingly the estimate have been prepared
for the above work amounting to Rs 39.00 lakhs as per University
type design of type I quarters. The Hon. Vice Chancellor has agreed
to the proposal put forth for an estimated cost of Rs 39.00 lakhs.
Under the above circumstances,
the administrative sanction is hereby accorded for the work at an
estimated cost of Rs 39.00 lakhs-(Rupees thirty nine lakhs only).
The expenditure on this work will be debited to the head of account
“278-26-4499 Works DPP (Plant)-911-733 Rehabilitation of Tribal
Families”
These two orders, an order is a
rule enforceable in law, have continuously and consistently been
violated by the Kerala Agricultural University from the beginning
till present. The helpless and hapless tribals, highly vulnerable
and marginalized, who are subject to manipulations and misguidance
by the socially and politically elite, are divided among themselves
and hence are not capable of assert their rights.
JANANEETHI together with its
local counterpart and partner NEETHIVEDI took pain in organizing the
tribal community for achieving their Constitutional and human rights
protected by the laws of the land and international instruments.
On 31st October 2007,
the aggrieved tribal community members under the leadership of Mrs
Tulasy Vijayan, Secretary of Pookode Adivasi Thozhilali
Sangam started indefinite agitation before the main gate of
Pookode Veterinary college. The agitation started with traditional
pooja at Devi Temple, Lakkidi. Following the pooja, the members took
pledge at the Adivasi Karinthandan Smarakam (chained tree),
Lakkidi. (Karinthandan is a legendary figure among the adivasis
and he is believed to have had the master plan for the route map to
Wayanad from Calicut. He handed over the plan and sketch of the road
to the English man who later killed Karinthandan to claim the credit
of streamlining the road to Wayanad).
Adivasi Sankaran Moopan
offering pooja at Devi temple
followed by making a
pledge in memory of their great ancestor Karinthandan Moopan.
( view
photo gallery )
The adivasis under the
leadership of Mrs. Tulasy Vijayan took rally from Karinthandan
Smarakam
at Lakkidi to Pookode Veterinary college gate. Over hundred people,
despite the
dire threats from college authorities and local ghoondas,
participated in the rally.
( view
photo gallery )
There were heavy police
picketing at the college gate to thwart any attempt to frustrate the
normal working of the college
Advocate George
Pulikuthiyil, Executive Director of Jananeethi addresses the
agitating crowd.
The adivasis on strike
continuously for 30 days in front of the college gate demanding
their legitimate rights.
On 30th day of their
agitation, they were invited by the district collector of Wayanad
for detailed hearing of their grievances. The three MLAs of Wayanad,
civil liberty groups, concerned officers of the Kerala Agricultural
University were also present. After hearing the representatives of
the agitating tribal families, the collector announced that he was
convinced of the genuineness of the agitation, and that he would
take the matter with the Vice Chancellor of the Agricultural
University. He assured in the presence of all the people that he
would see the GO of 13.8.1998 is entirely complied with in two
months from the date. Taking his words for granted the poor adivasi
people called off the agitation on the same day.
However, the collector betrayed
them. He reported to the Vice Chancellor that the agitation of the
adivasi people lacked bonafides and it could be ignored.
Based on the report of the collector the University proceeded with
making appointments without giving heed to the tribal community.
Against this colossal betrayal of
the community and violation of the GO, the tribal community
organized rally and dharna in front of the collectorate of Wayanad
district at Kalpetta on the 26th of February 2008.
Executive Director of Jananeethi, Advocate George Pulikuthiyil, was
present and addressed the crowd and explained the various measures
taken before judiciary and civil administration, but how the efforts
were sabotaged by the corrupt officials.
In support of the
Adivasi agitation at Pookode, one day dharna was organized by
Jananeethi
on 14th November 2007 at the main gate of Kerala
Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur.
(
view photo gallery ) |
