Adivasis\' problems to be addressed with urgency

MALAPPURAM: Forest and Housing Minister Benoy Viswom said here on Tuesday that said Adivasis should not be forced to move out of their habitats or homes.

Chairing a meeting convened to find ways to address the woes of tribal people at the Collectorate conference hall here on Tuesday, Mr. Viswom said the problems faced by the Adivasis living in colonies inside the Nilambur forests would be addressed with the utmost urgency.

The Minister directed the government officials not to coerce the Adivasis to sign forms to include them in the forest rights laws.

He said Adivasis would be given quality timber for woodwork in their houses under construction. A committee comprising the secretaries of the respective grama panchayats and forest officials would make the allotment