MANGALURU (India): Tribal leaders of the Malekudiya community in Karnataka have resolved to demand separate political representation in gram panchayats and stronger protection of their rights. At a tribal gathering in Kuthlur, the community outlined a series of demands aimed at formal recognition and socio-economic support.
The Malekudiyas said the government should ensure effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act, grant individual and community rights over forest produce and issue land title deeds to families living within forest areas. They opposed evictions linked to wildlife projects and alleged harassment by revenue and forest officials.
Participants also called for a halt to mining, industrial and tourism activities in their region and raised concerns about poor infrastructure, seeking electrification of all homes, improved roads and repair of bridges. The group demanded better access to education and healthcare, expanded job reservations, and rehabilitation and compensation related to past conflicts. They also asked that authorities consult the Adivasi Hakkugala Samanvaya Samiti before taking decisions affecting Malekudiya areas.
The mobilisation highlights growing discontent among the community over what it sees as continued exclusion from local governance and failure to address long-pending issues related to land, livelihoods and basic services.
The Malekudiya are a particularly vulnerable tribal group living in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, with many families residing in and around forest areas. Like several tribal communities across India, they have long sought effective enforcement of the Forest Rights Act and greater representation within grassroots democratic institutions.
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