Rapid summary
- Adivasi leader C.K. janu expressed that teh tribespeople will never forgive former Kerala Chief Minister A.K. Antony or those who justified police action during the Muthanga land agitation of 2003.
- Her remarks came following Mr. Antony’s expression of regret over alleged police brutality during the agitation at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram on September 17,2025.
- The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and other Opposition parties were criticized by Ms.Janu for their role in worsening the crisis during that time.
- Muthanga protest participant and Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha leader M. Geethanandan demanded apologies from both Congress and Left parties, accusing them of failing to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
- Mr. geethanandan also named K.P.C.C.’s then-president K. Muraleedharan and then-Forest Minister K. Sudhakaran as primary figures responsible for police action.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The renewed discussions around the Muthanga land agitation highlight unresolved tensions between governmental authorities and tribal communities in Kerala regarding historical grievances over land rights and justice systems. While A.K. Antony’s recent acknowledgment expresses remorse effectively,it may be seen by affected communities as inadequate without tangible steps advocating reconciliation or accountability measures for past decisions deemed harmful by them.
C.K Janu’s statement underscores lasting distrust among sections of tribal groups toward both Congress-led governments and opposition factions like CPI(M), suggesting deeper systemic disconnects rather merely episodic failures/ Handling Tribal relations cleaner