Tribal people protest in Kalaburagi over a range of demands

Members of the Budakattu Samudayagala Samskrutika Sahitya Parishat staged a protest in Kalaburagi on Thursday, urging the State government to fulfill a range of demands, including honorarium and reservation benefits for tribal communities across the State.

The protesters marched from Jagat Circle to the Deputy Commissioner’s office and submitted a memorandum to be forwarded to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

In their appeal, the Parishat said communities such as Besta Koli, Tokari Koli, Nayakadu, Kabbliga, Koli Janangada Valikara, Talawar, and Jamadar – who have for generations worshipped Jokumara Swamy by placing the deity in a basket carried by girls of the community – are facing severe economic hardships.

“Protecting and preserving the Jokumara Swamy tradition is the government’s responsibility,” the memorandum stated.

The Parishat demanded that the government sanction an annual honorarium of ₹51,000 to every village where the Jokumara Swamy festival is celebrated, and ensure that reservation facilities due to these communities under the Constitution are extended without any hurdles. It further sought monthly honorarium from the Department of Kannada and Culture to support traditional artisans, folk dancers and singers belonging to these communities, along with adequate protection for women.

Community leaders, including Dodla Pandari, T.D. Raj, Jayashree Kattimani, Dasharath Talawar, Ravikumar Talawar, Arjun Biradar, Sharanappa Talawar, Suryakant Talawar, Sabanna Talawar, Indubai, and Honamma participated.