Gond and Gutti Koya Tribes: Displacement and Rights Gap
Why in the news
Displaced Gutti Koya (Gond) tribals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are in focus: their terrain knowledge helps against Maoists, yet their legal status is unresolved.
About the Gonds
- Second largest indigenous group, a Scheduled Tribe, mainly in central and south-central India (MP, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, AP and others). The largest tribe is the Bhil.
Background of displacement
- In 2005, about 50,000 left Chhattisgarh because of “strategic hamleting” against Maoists, modelled on 1960s Vietnam, and were put in roadside camps in undivided Andhra Pradesh. The plan failed; some returned, some joined security forces.
- Displaced people and surrendered Maoists have aided recent operations; Amit Shah targets ending Maoism by March 31, 2026.
- Precedents: 1949 recruitment against Telangana communists; Mizoram’s 1960s policy and Brus’ rehabilitation in 2019.
| State | Displaced reported |
|---|---|
| Chhattisgarh | 10,000 |
| Telangana | 24,000 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 8,000 |
Concerns
- No legal status; AP and Telangana call them “migrants”, denying ST status; they face harassment from officials and locals.
- FRA Clause 3.1(m) covers those displaced before Dec 13, 2005, but Chhattisgarh has stalled claims for over five years.
Way forward
- NCST survey within 3 months, a national IDP policy and permanent rehabilitation with ST recognition.