Baripada: Even as Kudumis, upset over denial of tribal status, have been staging agitations for a long time, they have welcomed the assurance of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to form Kudumi Bikash Parishad. Kudumis from various parts of the state had staged a stir recently in Delhi too, seeking a tribal status.
Kudumi Sena, the outfit working for this community said that the assurance of the Chief Minister to form Bikash Parishad indicate Kudumis are still not developed.
A delegation of Kudumi Sena had held talks with the Chief Minister in this regard.
State president of the Kudumi Sena, Jaymuni Mohant held a press meet Friday and made it clear that the outfit has not given up on its main demand on tribal status.
He added, ”Instead of recommending tribal status for us to the Centre, the government is trying to form Kudumi Bikash Parishad.
According to Kudumi Sena, prior to 1950, Kudumis used to enjoy tribal status, but it was cancelled by the Central government from the tribals’ list September 6, 1950 for no reason.
Kudumi Sena demanded that the state government should recommend to the Central government to recognize them as scheduled tribes.
Kudumis had staged dharnas at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi Mach 8, 2016 and September 6, 2018. Adhikar Rally was also organised at Baripada March 11 this year while a bandh was observed in 9 districts May 7.
Kudumi people had sent 3 lakh post cards to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, seeking tribal status back then.
PNN
