Bhubaneswar: After returning from Koraput, the interlocutors paid a courtesy visit to chief minister’s office on Friday and discussed the plights of the tribals at length.
"The government has agreed to…. will be honoured, they discussed the issues of tribal development. I said my government has always been there for the development and welfare of our tribal people and we will continue to work for our tribal people," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said after the meeting.
The three interlocutors-- Prof Hargopal, Prof R Someswar Rao and Dandapani Mohanty—met the chief minister here at state secretariat.
During the 45-minute long discussion, the mediators expressed that if the problems of the tribals are looked into, green hunt operation would not be required. Besides, resettlement and rehabilitation issue should also be taken care of.
“If the governments do that I think peace will come back. Tribals want to lead a little ordinary life. Allow them to lead a dignified life. Then green hunt operations are not necessary,” Prof Hargopal said.
“The developmental model should be tribal-centric otherwise they are becoming marginalized and even for food they have to work. Chief minister agreed to look into the matter. He positively responded that he will do his best,” Prof R Someswar Rao said.
In the meeting, state Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Panchayatiraj Secretary were also present.
Chief Secretary B K Patnaik said the abduction of the Malkangiri District Collector was an unfortunate incident.
“The incident was an unfortunate one. Our aim should be on effectively running the system,” Chief Secretary B K Patnaik said.
While Prof Someswar Rao retuned to New Delhi today, Prof Hargopal and Dandpani Mohanty discussed the land issues concerning tribals with government’s representative Prof Radhamohan.