Date:25/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/25/stories/2006082511080400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

ST status sought for Pardhis

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Tribals from various districts participated in a rally here on Thursday in support of the demand for inclusion of `pardhi' community among Scheduled Tribes.

In spite of rain, the large crowd went in a procession from Ambedkar Bhavan on Lower Tank Bund road to Indira Park where a public meeting was held. A hunger strike camp by pardhis was also being organised near the park for the last three days.

People who make a living by attracting passers-by with feats on roads performed at the meeting. A small girl who was held in the air with a pole was tossed further up and held in safe arms as she landed down. People who had monkeys clinging to their shoulders were among the crowd.