NHRC seeks report from Chhattisgarh about homeless tribals

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today sought a report from Chhattisgarh government about reports that 200 tribals were rendered homeless with their huts being destroyed.
Taking suo motu cognisance of a media report, NHRC asked the state Chief Secretary to submit the report within four weeks.
The Commission observed that the incident, if true, constituted a grave violation of human rights of the tribals, an NHRC spokesperson said.
"It has also said in its notice to the state government that the Forest Rights Act has an elaborate procedure for re-settlement of tribals and provides for a package to secure their livelihood. Therefore, the state should give complete facts in the matter," the spokesperson said.

About 200 members of 60 families of Baigas, a primitive tribe, became homeless when the state government officials destroyed their 30 huts in the overlapping villages, Rajanacha and Baijadhap adjacent to Bhoramdeo Reserve Forest in District Kawardah, Chhattisgarh, he said quoting media reports.