Protesters demanded that authorities protect the traditional rights and livelihoods of indigenous communities
They have been living there for centuries, and their livelihoods depend solely on the forest,” he said. N Natarajan, a member of the association, alleged that tribal communities who have lived in the region on their ancestral lands for generations are being branded as encroachers by the state and central governments. “Authorities should intervene immediately to prevent further evictions and protect the traditional rights and livelihoods of indigenous communities.
Govt should construct permanent houses for displaced tribal families, through the joint efforts of the Union and state governments,” Natarajan said. “Government must stop evicting tribal families from their traditional habitats in the name of development and issue land pattas to eligible families living in the region. Protesters submitted their demands to the Coimbatore district administration and appealed to the government to take immediate measures to protect the rights of tribal communities in Megamalai and prevent further displacement.