Strategic hamleting failed and displaced tribals remain neglected

Source: The post Strategic hamleting failed and displaced tribals remain neglected has been created, based on the article “Call for permanent settlement for tribals” published in “The Hindu” on 17 April 2025. Strategic hamleting failed and displaced tribals remain neglected.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Context: In 2005, nearly 50,000 Gond tribals were displaced from Chhattisgarh under the Government of India’s ‘strategic hamleting’ programme, aimed at curbing Maoist influence. Two decades later, most remain in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, facing neglect and denial of tribal rights. The issue highlights gaps in policy, rights recognition, and interstate coordination.

Historical Background of Strategic Hamleting

1. The idea began in 1949, soon after Independence. To suppress Telangana communist revolutionaries, the government relocated forest-dwelling tribals to roadside camps. Many were recruited as special police constables with little training and basic weapons like spears and axes. One such group was the Koya “Tiger Squad” with around 300 members.
2. In the 1960s, a similar approach was used in Mizoram to counter insurgents. This effort proved more effective and concluded with a peace deal.
3. In 2005, the strategy was applied again in Chhattisgarh to fight Maoists. Around 50,000 Gond tribals were forced to relocate. However, the programme failed. Many tribals returned to their forest homes, while others joined security forces, indicating the strategy did not achieve its original goal.

Current Situation of Displaced Gutti Koyas

1. Displacement: Around 50,000 Gond tribals, referred to as Gutti Koyas, were displaced in 2005 under the strategic hamleting programme.
2. Current Residence: Most now live in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, occupying illegally held forest land.
3. Tribal Rights Neglected:

• Under Clause 3.1(m) of the Forest Rights Act, tribals displaced before December 13, 2005 are entitled to alternative forest land.
• Many Gutti Koyas have applied for land in their present states, but Chhattisgarh has delayed processing for over five years.
• Though the clause permits land in other states, Chhattisgarh has failed to coordinate with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, or the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

4. Denial of Tribal Status:

• Both host states treat the Gutti Koyas as migrants, not tribals.
• This denies them tribal welfare benefits and legal recognition.
• In a National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) meeting, it was noted that 10,000 tribals remain displaced from Chhattisgarh, with 24,000 in Telangana and 8,000 in Andhra Pradesh.
• Though a survey was ordered in 2019 and repeated recently, Chhattisgarh cited COVID-19 for inaction.

5. Push for Return:

• Telangana has taken over tribal farmland for plantations.
• Andhra Pradesh has destroyed newly built homes in forests, aiming to push them back to Chhattisgarh.

Denial of Tribal Status and Basic Rights

1. Both states refuse to recognise Gutti Koyas as tribals, denying them full support.
2. While limited humanitarian aid is provided, states argue that only central intervention can resolve the issue.
3. In contrast, under the 2019 Bru Rehabilitation Plan, displaced Brus were given options for permanent settlementand central aid.

Major Challenges and Demands

1. Many young tribals consider Andhra Pradesh and Telangana home.
2. They face discrimination, lack of recognition, and are targeted by locals, forest officials, and police.
3. Their key demands include permanent rehabilitation, land rights, and official tribal status for a life of dignity.

Question for practice:

Examine the impact of the 2005 strategic hamleting programme on the displacement, rights, and current status of the Gutti Koya tribals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.