Brinda seeks Governor's intervention to protect tribals

Submitting a memorandum to the Governor, Karat claimed that earlier representations to the government on tribal issues had been ignored and instead the state preferred to "use force and file false cases" against those demanding rights for protection of their land.

Brinda cited how anti-land acquisition activist Dayamani Barla had been arrested and the "government has refused to support her bail petition pending before the court and is treating her as a criminal."

Releasing a copy of the memorandum to the media, she urged the Governor to ensure all medical and other facilities to the diabetic Barla.

The tribal leader, Barla, had on October 16 surrendered before a Ranchi court and was sent to judicial custody in connection with an agitation she had led in 2006.

Two days later she got bail, but was re-arrested on a second warrant in connection with "obstructing government work."

Karat also alleged that there were serious violation of constitutional guarantees in the protection of tribal land, and said "In this connection, my request to you is to use the powers given to the office of Governor under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution."