Tamil Nadu: K Annamalai denounces forest department’s decision to forcefully remove homes of tribals in Pennagaram area

The forcible removal of tribals from their homes in the Pennagaram-Hogenakkal forest area by Forest Department officials has sparked outrage, drawing condemnation from various quarters. Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai took to social media to express his strong disapproval of the actions, labeling them as highly condemnable.

In a statement posted on his social media handle, Annamalai criticised the Forest Department for disregarding the rights of the tribal or Adivasi community by forcibly evicting them from their homes. He accused the officials of resorting to a military-like operation, throwing the belongings of the tribals onto the roads and dismantling the roofs of their dwellings. Annamalai lambasted the DMK government for allegedly turning a blind eye to corrupt activities while targeting poor and vulnerable communities.

The Pennagaram-Hogenakkal forest area is inhabited by members of the tribal community, known as “Poorvakudis,” who have been residing there for generations. Annamalai emphasised that the government should have provided alternative settlements for these communities, offering them proper housing instead of resorting to authoritarian tactics.

Forced evictions of indigenous people from forest areas have been ongoing for some time, with allegations of exploitation by Christian missionaries seeking to convert them. In response, organisations like Vanavasi Kalyan, an RSS unit, have played a vital role in providing support to prevent them from falling prey to such groups.

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A leading Tamil Daily journalist, when contacted, highlighted the longstanding issue, noting that the affected individuals are not merely tribals or Adivasis but people who have been residing in the forest lands for generations. The government has offered alternative sites for resettlement, but the affected families have insisted on remaining in the Nootrumalai area, which is closer to their current living area and essential for their livelihoods.

The situation escalated when newly appointed Forest Ranger Krishnan, accompanied by officials, attempted to carry out the eviction drive. Despite tense moments, protests, and clashes between locals and forest officials, the eviction drive was temporarily suspended. However, forest officials have indicated their intention to resume the removal of encroachments in the future.

The incident has left three individuals injured and hospitalised, highlighting the volatility of the situation. Allegations suggest that nearly 12 families are at risk of losing their homes due to the Forest Department’s actions, raising concerns about the welfare and rights of indigenous communities living in forest areas.