Tribals persuaded to give up poll boycott in Nilgiris district

Nearly 600 tribal voters in Naganpalli in hilly Nilgiris district today withdrew their decision to boycott the assembly elections over pending demand for house site as district officials persuaded them to take part in the democratic exercise.
The tribals, whose village comes under Mudumalai Tiger Reserve forest area, were upset that their demand for an alternative house site was not met by the successive governments and decided to boycott today's polls.
On receiving information that none of them turned up for voting till 9.30 am, officials rushed to the village and convinced the tribals to cast their votes, police said.

The population, comprising Irulas, Paniyas and Kattunaickens tribes were promised alternative land, as they were living in thatched houses, without power, safe drinking water and other basic amenities, police said.