4 tribals hurt in group clash over traditional ‘Jhika Bibaha’ in Rayagada

Rayagada: Four persons were injured after a group clash broke out between locals of four tribal villages in the district over 'jhika bibaha,' a traditional wedding practice that involves forcibly capturing a bride for marriage.

The injured men-all of them hailing from the Parsali panchayat under Kalyansinghpur block in Niyamgiri have been admitted to the Kalyansinghpur Community Health Centre (CHC).

According to sources, a youth identified as Bama Sikaka of Lamba village forcibly captured a girl of Sanadenganeli village and brought her home as his bride on July 6. This traditional practice of getting married is called 'Jhika Bibaha' and is  acceptable among the primitive Dongaria tribal groups. However, the girl,  allegedly in love with another youth did not accept the marriage and returned home.

In order to resolve the matter, a meeting was called between four villages. While locals in Lamba and Guma villages came out in support of Bama, the tribals in Sanadenganeli and Nishikhal villages represented the girl’s side.

The Niyamgiri Surakhsha Mancha President Lada Sikaka was also present during the meeting. However, the meeting remained inconclusive following which a clash erupted between the groups on Monday.

The local police have also been informed about the incident, but no case has been registered yet, sources said.