Protest march held in capital

Scores of tribals today joined a protest march here against the 'illegal loot' of natural resources in the country.
The protesters had come from various states including Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand,
They were joined by political leaders from CPI, CPI(M), JD(U), Lok Janashakti Party, Gondwana Ganatantrak Party and others.
Addressing the gathering, JD(U) president Sharad Yadav said it is the adivasi areas of the country that have all the minerals and natural resources and they are being looted.
He said all laws such as the Forest Rights Act, PESA and the Fifth Schedule are being thrown to the winds by the government, as there is no leader who speaks for the adivasis.

Prominent Left leaders like Brinda Karat, A B Bardhan, D Raja, Sudhakar Reddy and others also addressed the rally.

Rally participants criticised the manner in which the government continues to perpetrate massive scams in the takeover of natural resources, in particular land, mines, forests and water.
A delegation of leaders from the protest will tomorrow meet the President to raise the illegal and unconstitutional acts of the government, a statement issued by Joint Morcha of Tribal Organisations, said.
The leaders will also submit a memorandum against the violations of the PESA Act, the Forest Rights Act and the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution among other issues.