Tribals from five districts, such as Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Anakapalli, Kakinada and East Godavari, staged a protest on Monday demanding the recognition of non-scheduled tribal villages in Andhra Pradesh as scheduled areas.
Addressing the gathering, Adivasi Sangharsha Morcha (ASM) national executive member Tirupati Gomango said that the absence of recognition under the Fifth Schedule denies them freedom and constitutional rights.
“Formation of new districts in Andhra Pradesh has led to the loss of ITDA services, which were vital for the non-scheduled Adivasis. The government was requested to extend ITDA services to both non-scheduled and scheduled areas of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Anakapalli, Kakinada and East Godavari districts, just as it was before the district reorganisation, he said, adding that the Central government was requested to declare these areas as Scheduled Areas immediately.
