Sonbhadra massacre: 10 tribals killed as goons go on shooting spree to seize land
LUCKNOW: In a shocking incident, 10 tribals were killed in cold blood when dozens of armed persons went on a shooting spree to seize land.
The incident occurred in Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh. Over 100 persons, riding in tractor-trolleys, came to Umbha, a tribal hamlet, on July 16, and tried to take over the land. When locals resisted, they began firing indiscriminately, resulting in the deaths.
The Gond tribals have been living on this land and have been cultivating it, from the pre-independence era. It was after 1955, when the land was strangely transferred to a cooperative society that was formed by one family under a government scheme (at the behest of an IAS officer).
Though the scheme was later abolished, land ownership didn't return to government. However, members of the family linked to IAS officer, were allotted land, who in turn sold it to Yagya Dutt, who wants tribals ousted. After the incident, the villagers are in a state of shock.
For years, locals had been running from pillar to post to get the issue sorted but despite representations, inquires, nothing had happened. The police have arrested over a dozen persons who were involved in the attack, however, the main accused is yet to be caught. [Photo is for representational purpose]
[July 18, 2019 NewsBits.in]
