The Hindu : Muthanga: women's panel for 'thorough probe'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 28, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

Muthanga: women's panel for 'thorough probe'

By Our Staff Correspondent

NEW DELHI March 27. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has demanded a `thorough probe' into the `high-handedness' of forest officials and the district administration in connection with the police firing on the tribals in the Muthanga range of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.

A three-member NCW team that visited Muthanga and the two jails where the arrested tribal people have been lodged, said that an inquiry was required to ascertain whether it was necessary to conduct the eviction process in such a manner. Even if the stand of the district administration that the tribals had encroached upon the sanctuary and therefore had to be evicted under law is accepted, there was no need to severely beat the fleeing tribal women and children, the NCW chairperson, Poornima Advani, told presspersons here today.

``Moreover, the role of the forest officials in the February 19 incident and two allegations of molestation require a further probe. Similarly, the District Collector, in his report, has dealt with the question of persons alleged to be missing. Further inquiry is necessary,'' Ms. Advani said.

The commission has already submitted its report to the National Human Rights Commission and the Kerala Chief Minister. The report will be submitted to the Ministries of Home, Tribal Affairs and Environment and Forests. The Ministry of Environment and Forests could examine whether it can permit the tribals to settle in the open spaces within the sanctuary. The question of settlement of land requires to be expedited in the light of the agreement made by the Chief Minister with the tribals last year.

Asking the State Government to initiate disciplinary action against the police and forest officials guilty of ``brutally beating up'' the tribal women and children, she said there was no justification in charging the women with murder and attempted murder. ``The tribal women are not even aware of the charges made against them and their legal rights. Therefore, it is essential that they are provided with legal aid. The women lodged in the Puthyara and Vythri jails do not even have basic amenities like water and electricity,'' Ms. Advani said.

The State Government should take confidence-building measures in the tribal colonies and provide relief in the form of medical treatment, counselling for traumatised women and perhaps, a separate team to supervise the immediate distribution of relief, Ms. Advani said.

The three-member team comprised Ms. Advani, Sunila Basant and Nafisa Hussain. The commission visited the spot following representations from several voluntary organisations from the State.

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