Chhattisgarh: Rakesh Tikait questions govt's priorities as arrests, forest felling spark protests in Hasdeo Arand

Save Hasdeo Arand: In a significant turn of events, protestors opposing tree cutting for coal mines in the Hasdeo Aranya were arrested this morning. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait condemned the action, calling for widespread protests against the arrests. Various organisations have united in demanding a ban on forest cutting.

Outrage Grows as Hasdeo Movement Leaders Detained

Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan Coordinator Alok Shukla conveyed the arrest of key leaders, including Ramlal Nandan Porte and Thakur Ram, through social media. The arrests are linked to the prolonged agitation against Adani's mining activities in rural areas, which has been ongoing for over a year.

Rakesh Tikait Questions Government's Priorities

In a video statement, Tikait questioned the government's priorities, highlighting the arrests of tribal people who have been peacefully protesting against the allocation of mines to Adani. He questioned whether the Chief Minister's first task was to suppress the voices of farmers and labourers.

छत्तीसगढ़ के हसदेव जंगल जिन्हें भारत के फेफड़े भी कहा जाता है उन्हें मोदाणी के खनन हितों के लिए काटा जा रहा है। स्थानीय आदिवासी अस्तित्व और उनके अधिकारों को कुचला जा रहा है। विरोध कर रहे आदिवासियों को नज़र बंद किया जा रहा है शर्मनाक।@Chhotu_Vasava@tikaitrakesh#हसदेव_जंगल_बचाओ pic.twitter.com/Z5cyUhn8OH

— Ashish Vasaiya @adivasi🏹 (@AshishVasaiyaa4) December 24, 2023

Tribals' Rights and Resources under Threat

Expressing concern, Tikait stated that the tribal people of Hasdev Aranya have a legitimate claim to their land, water, and forests. The arrests and the initiation of tree cutting for coal mining are viewed as oppressive actions by the government, favouring corporate interests.

Chhattisgarh's Ongoing Struggle Against Resource Exploitation

The HABSS (Hasdeo Aranya Bachao Sangharsh Samiti) accused the newly formed BJP government of favouring corporate giants like Adani, leading to the exploitation of resources and oppression of tribals. Heavy police deployment in the village indicates a forceful initiation of tree cutting for the Parsa East and Kete Bassen Coal Mines.

Amidst growing tensions and arrests, the call for freedom for the detained protestors echoes through social media and local communities. The Hasdeo Aranya region remains a battleground, symbolising the struggle against resource exploitation and the protection of tribal rights.