Contingency Plan to Wean Tribals from Extremist Activities in Tribal Areas

Abstract

The sprawling scheduled area which is traditional tribal habitat in Andhra Pradesh extends over 30,293 sq, kms in nine districts. In this context it would also be worth while to trace briefly the history and characteristic features of tribal unrest and the factors contributing to the present situtation. The tribal areas of our country which were once known as placid places have been periodically rocked by violent outbursts of disturbances because of exploitation of tribals by outsiders. These ever recurring struggles of the tribals for survival with along history or 200 years have always been waged against either stringent forest laws or exploitation by non tribal sowkars, land lords, money lenders liquor vendors , unsympathetic administration etc. Experience shows that extremist elements from outside select remote and problem prone areas for perpetuating their movement and testing basic concepts of their ideology. The leadership crisis, land problems, land alienation, forest and related matters, money lending, unemployment, non-payment of minimum wage, general backwardness are some of the issues. Area requiring special attention, in the present day activities and the situation analysis given in the preceding pages, the integrated tribal development agency. Approach and strategy to wean the tribals from extremist influence , the approach to be adopted is for implementing a programme intended to wean away, the tribals from the influence of extremists has to necessarily take into account the massive development activity already launched under the aegis of the integrated tribal development agencies. The suggestions made are intended to draw up programme that are either corrective or additive to the ongoing programmes. These scheme strengthen sector like roads, irrigation, education, training, and employment etc The programmes have been designed keeping in view the strategy proposed to be adopted and the steps to be taken to meet the situation. Accordingly envisaged laying of roads, development of minor irrigation works provision of drinking water facility , agro- credit, comprehensive traning programme etc. The brief description of the socio-economic life of tribals of the state in the preceding pages bring into focus the variegated social system and livelihood activites which are basic factors that influence behaviour pattern and are consequently of high significance in the formulation of action plan to meet the situation this nature.