Chengara Land Struggle Families in Pullur-Periye Still Await True Freedom

Fast Summary

• Shobana Kumari, a 61-year-old from Pullur-Periye panchayat, lives in poverty with her family of 12, decades after participating in the Chengara land rights struggle.
• The Chengara movement shifted 85 families to hilly terrain in Kasaragod over 15 years ago. Most residents include Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalized communities.
• Title deeds were reissued recently to some beneficiaries, but residents complain about barren plots unsuitable for farming or dignified living.
• Many houses built under the K.R.Narayanan Society program are abandoned due to lack of basic amenities like drinking water and agricultural viability. Some depend on pensions and odd jobs such as rubber tapping for survival.
• Residents allege exclusion from government benefits as their houses lack official numbering by the panchayat; most claims are reportedly heard only during election periods.
• Rubber tapping is one of the few sources of livelihood along with occasional small aids from social organizations like the Welfare Party.
• Government efforts included identifying agricultural lands under multiple settlements spread across districts-with promises varying (50 cents for Scheduled Casts others max.; beneficiaries)-But implementation falters!

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