Orissa Tribals protest others usurping their jobs, benefits

Bhubaneswar, Jan 29

Thousands of tribals Thursday staged a demonstration in Orissa's Bolangir town demanding action against people usurping government jobs and benefits meant for tribal people by submitting fake caste certificates.

The tribals from 10 western districts converged at Bolangir town, 327 km from here, and staged a demonstration for hours under the banner of Zilla Adivasi Sangha (a tribal organisation), a senior district police official told IANS.

Armed with traditional weapons like axe and bow and arrow, the forest dwellers danced to the tune of their traditional music, waved banners and shouted slogans against thegovernment for not addressing their problems.

They alleged that thousands of non-tribals are occupying government posts and enjoying benefits meant for tribals.

"We want immediate identification of such people and their dismissal. If the government does not take steps, we would be forced to launch an agitation