Nomadic Tribes to Hold Peaceful Protest in Bengaluru on April 21–22, Demand Justice

Mangaluru: P Keshavanath, president of the Dakshina Kannada District Committee of the Karnataka State Federation of Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic (Category-1) Tribes, announced a peaceful protest and overnight dharna at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on April 21 and 22. The demonstration aims to draw the government’s attention to 16 long-pending demands concerning the welfare of these marginalised communities.

Addressing the media in Mangaluru, Keshavanath highlighted the dire socio-economic conditions of the 46 tribes under Category-1, describing them as severely backward. “Despite repeated petitions to the Chief Minister and senior government officials, no concrete action has been taken. This protest is to voice the pain and struggle of our people,” he said.

From Dakshina Kannada alone, 20,000 people belong to the Golla and Jogi communities. Many continue to live in tents on government land without access to housing, education, or basic amenities. “At least 50 people from the district will join the protest in Bengaluru,” Keshavanath said.

Among the key demands are:

• Permanent housing for nomadic families living in makeshift shelters.

Joining him at the press conference were Federation State Vice-President Ananthakrishna, and committee members Kiran Kumar Jogi and Padmanabha M, who echoed the call for government action and social justice.

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