Thousands of tribals from 12 indigenous groups gathered in Jeypore to take out a huge rally on the occasion of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on Wednesday.
Clad in traditional attire, the tribals from 14 blocks of the district marched towards the sub-collector’s office in Jeypore to submit a memorandum of their demands.
Their demands included safeguarding forest land, and tribal status to some indigenous communities.
It is pertinent to mention here that, indigenous communities like Duruas and Dhodias have been demanding inclusion in the scheduled tribe list.
Speaking to OTV, a tribal leader said, “We are proud of being tribals and this day is important for us. The development in Koraput has become stagnant. We want a special development council to be formed for Koraput so that the development of indigenous peoples can get back on track.”
The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed on August 9 every year to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world's indigenous population. This event also recognizes the achievements and contributions that indigenous peoples make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.
The UN General Assembly had adopted a resolution in Dеcеmbеr 1994 to observe thе Intеrnational Day of thе World's Indigenous Peoples.