Khanapur MLA Vedma Bojju Warns Of Revolt Against Forest Curbs
Forest officials have failed to change their approach, despite repeated appeals to stop harassing local communities: Khanapur MLA Vedma Bojju
ADILABAD: Khanapur MLA Vedma Bojju on Friday warned that podu cultivators, Adivasis, and non-tribal residents living in agency areas would revolt like the Multhanis if forest officials and staff continue to harass them and impose restrictions on their livelihoods and movements. He declared that he would resign from his MLA post if the state government enforces GO 49, which has currently been kept in abeyance until further notice.
He alleged that forest officials have failed to change their approach, despite repeated appeals to stop harassing local communities.
Citing a recent incident, he recalled how the Multhanis revolted against forest staff at Sirichelma in Ichoda mandal of Adilabad district. Vedma Bojju made these remarks while speaking at a new ration card distribution programme in Jannaram, Mancherial district.
The MLA further asserted that he would lead an agitation on behalf of the Yadav community, podu cultivators, and the Myadari community if forest staff continue to prevent them from entering forests for cattle grazing, collecting firewood, and cultivating podu lands in the Khanapur Assembly constituency.
Vedma Bojju also appealed to Mancherial collector Kumar Deepak, who was present on the dais, to intervene and prevent a situation where people might be forced to revolt against forest officials. He urged the collector to rein in forest personnel who are harassing these communities.
He questioned why forest officials, who had not imposed any restrictions on the entry of heavy vehicles into the Kawal Tiger Reserve for the past 10 years, are now targeting tribal and local communities. He reiterated his commitment to protecting the rights of the people in his constituency at any cost.
