Kumram Bheem martyrdom anniversary marred by Jainoor Sept 4 clashes

Adilabad: Restoration of normalcy and peace continues to evade despite it being 40 days since the occurrence of the September 4 violent incidents in Jainoor mandal headquarters village in Kumram Bheem Asifabad district.

This perplexing impasse is bound to show its impact on the all-important 84th martyrdom anniversary of the legendary Adivasi leader Kumram Bheem slated to be observed on October 17 at the historic Jodeghat village in Kerameri mandal in the district.

120 properties burnt

The commercially bustling Jainoor continues to be shut since the day of the violence which saw about 120 properties being burnt, partially or fully. The police had imposed prohibitory orders in Jainoor under section 163 of the BNSS and those who wish to purchase even vegetables now make a trip either to Hasnapur towards Utnoor side or Kerameri towards Asifabad side.

Entry of ‘outsiders’ into this village is being disallowed by the police apparently to ward off any attempts to disrupt peace. Suspension of internet services has helped only in seclusion of the place from the outside world.

Jodeghat event

Jainoor is about 17 km from Utnoor on the Utnoor-Asifabad road and all those heading towards Jodeghat from the western side need to cross. Many of the visitors, including tribals from the Nanded and Yavatmal districts of Maharashtra, moving towards the venue of the martyrdom anniversary make a halt at Jainoor for a cuppa or for a snack.

The event at Jodeghat was organised by the Utnoor Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA). Officials from all the departments set up stalls depicting developmental activities.

A tribal darbar was also organised which has all top officials in the district attending. The aim is to listen to the complaints of the tribals and try and provide a solution to the problems as early as possible.

“We will use the darbar to air our grievances once again,” pointed out Godam Ganesh, Telangana State working president of the Adivasi Hakkula Porata Samithi, more popularly known as Tudum Debba.

“Yes, the Jodeghat event will be impacted by the Jainoor events,” summed up Purka Bapu Rao, Adilabad district president of the organisation.

The government’s efforts in the restoration of normalcy and confidence building between the communities at loggerheads have not yielded any results so far. The tardy progress in such efforts has itself become a point to grieve about for the Adivasis now.

Talks with CM yielded no results

“In addition to the two sessions of talks held by minister Danasari Anasuya Sethakka at Utnoor, we were also invited by the government to Hyderabad. Nothing concrete came out of the meetings as chief minister A Revanth Reddy promised to hold another round of talks between Dasara and Dipawali,” a disappointed Ganesh recalled the events of late last month.

Talking about one of the major complaints of the Adivasis related to non-tribals marrying tribal girls to enjoy property in Scheduled areas, the tribal leader expressed utmost concern. “Despite the Jainoor violence one such incident has come to light a few days back,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, the police are making all preparations to hold the Jodeghat event peacefully. Some of the officers who have worked in the district in the past will be deployed at all key entry points to identify potential troublemakers.