A meeting was facilitated at Cherupuzha to discuss upon the follow-up actions related to FRA proceedings. The regional FRA coordination group in the landscape of Nilambur consists of FRC leaders from nine different tribal settlements. Members of the regional FRA coordination group and representatives from Malappuram district committee of Kerala Adivasi Forum (KAF)- an independent political forum for Adivasi communities, attended the meeting.
The agenda of the meeting was to follow up with FRA interventions especially in relation to get updated status on the claims of Forest Rights (CFRs and IFRs) submitted by the tribal community from Nilambur area. It is quite a tedious procedure for Gram Sabha institutions to follow up with claims. Skepticism and apprehensions, on the part of community members could be sensed, regarding the intervention and upkeep of word given by KAF. Hence, organizing a meeting to address the apprehensions of the regional forum in seeking help from KAF seemed pertinent to move forward.
In the meeting the district committee leaders of KAF had agreed, in principle, with the demands of the leaders from various Forest Rights Committees (FRC). It was also then collectively decided to have an RTI filed, addressed to the District Collector who is also in the role of a DLC chairperson. The regional FRA coordination group expressed its willingness to support the KAF for proceeding with any future actions. KAF district committee also asked for a couple of weeks’ time before proceeding with the actions since prior consent and permission requires to be sought from the State level body before moving forwardwith any legal proceedings involving tribal communities.
KAF Malappuram district committee has sought for a date to meet with their State committee. Further, district leaders of KAF have also confirmed that they would come out with a decision before the second week of October, 2020.
