Gond Tribal Displacement and Strategic Hamlet Program
The Gond tribals' displacement began in 2005 when around 50,000 were forced to relocate from Chhattisgarh to undivided Andhra Pradesh under the 'strategic hamleting' program initiated to eliminate Maoists. This strategy, inspired by South Vietnam in the 1960s, was largely unsuccessful as many tribals eventually returned to their forest homes or joined security forces due to fear of Maoists.
Current Scenario
- Displaced tribals have become pivotal in assisting security forces due to their knowledge of the terrain.
- Some have joined military forces, enhancing their effectiveness against Maoists.
- Home Minister Amit Shah aims to end the Maoist conflict by March 31, 2026.
Historical Context
The 'Strategic Hamlet' approach was previously applied in India post-independence to combat Telangana communist revolutionaries, using tribal groups like the "Tiger Squad." The strategy saw better success in Mizoram during the 1960s, leading to a peace agreement with Mizo fighters.
Challenges and Government Response
- The NCST reported 10,000 Gond tribals displaced due to ongoing violence, with many unwilling to return.
- As of recent reports, 24,000 and 8,000 tribals are displaced in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, respectively.
- The absence of a national or international law for Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in India has led to neglect and atrocities against these tribals.
Forest Rights and Legal Issues
- Clause 3.1(m) of the Forest Rights Act mandates providing alternative forest land to displaced tribals, which remains unaddressed.
- Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments refrain from granting tribal status to displaced Gutti Koya tribals, treating them as migrants.
Social and Economic Dynamics
- The younger generation of tribals is drawn to economic opportunities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, preferring to stay despite lacking tribal status support.
- Efforts by Telangana to reclaim land and Andhra Pradesh to demolish new housing reflect ongoing struggles for permanent settlement and dignity.
The author highlights the complexities faced by displaced Gond tribals and underscores the need for a coherent strategy and legal framework to address their plight.
