With Prakash Velip and Govind Gaude by his side, Vishwas Gaude took charge as chief of the newly-formed UTAA-GKV.
MARGAO
Newly-formed United Tribal Association of Adivasis-Gawda-Kunbi-Velip (UTAA-GKV) is headed by Vishwas Gaude, a prominent leader of the UTAA movement, which has long waged a sustained battle for the just and constitutional rights of tribal communities.
It is, however, clear that the driving force behind the new organisation is none other than UTAA Chief Prakash Velip, along with former Minister Govind Gaude. Velip did not mince words when he declared that injustices against Scheduled Tribes and attempts to suppress their voices have resulted in the birth of UTAA-GKV.
Velip, who has led the UTAA movement for over a decade and a half now, before being restrained by the Inspector General of Societies/District Registrar, sounded a warning that unrest is growing within the tribal communities due to the injustices inflicted upon them.
“Why should anyone be concerned about the birth of UTAA-GKV? In a democracy, every citizen has the right to form an association to collectively address issues affecting their community. Have we done anything wrong by forming a new organisation?” Velip questioned.
“Let me be clear: no amount of bans or restrictions will stifle the voice of tribal communities,” he said, in an apparent reference to the restraint order issued against UTAA.
Outlining the goals of UTAA-GKV, Velip said the organisation’s agenda is clear — to fight for the just and constitutional rights of tribal communities.
Among its key demands are: the long-pending political reservations for Scheduled Tribes in the 2027 Goa Assembly elections; notification of Scheduled Areas under the Constitution; and time-bound settlement of Forest Rights Act (FRA) cases.
Citing the recent attack on social activist and tribal leader Rama Kankonkar, Velip said UTAA-GKV would take up such issues with urgency. He also reaffirmed the association’s support for the people of Codar village, who are opposing the proposed IIT project.
“Without an organisation, it is difficult to raise the voice of the people effectively. After the ban on UTAA, we had no choice but to float a new body in the interest of tribal communities,” he said.
Velip also alleged that there are attempts underway to impose similar restrictions on UTAA-GKV, warning that the tribal community is closely monitoring these developments.
Velip insisted that the new organisation has no political agenda. "Members of UTAA and UTAA-GKV come from all political backgrounds. Our only agenda is to fight injustices and secure the constitutional rights of our tribal communities,” he said.
Stressing his willingness to engage in dialogue, he said, “I have no personal issues with any tribal leader. I am open to sitting across the table and discussing all issues with our tribal brethren.”
