PANAJI
On Sunday, September 21, Gawda-Kunbi-Velip communities in a show of strength formed a new tribal association, ‘United Tribal Association of Adivasis-Gawda-Kunbi-Velip' (UTAA-GKV).
The move comes almost three months after tribal leader Prakash Velip was prohibited from functioning as an executive member of UTAA, a tribal association that has existed for the past few decades. Backed by Priol BJP MLA Govind Gaude, the new association — under the identical name — might soon launch a political movement if the community and situation demand.
Gaude said that the decision to form the UTAA-GKV was taken to counter the restrictions imposed on the United Tribals Associations Alliance (UTAA) and Gomantak Gaud Maratha Samaj Sanghatana (GMGMSS). He, however, admitted that his own BJP government is targeting the community.
BJP govt targeting tribals: Gaude
“It is openly proved that the government is targeting the UTAA. It can be seen,” Gaude said, recalling the time when UTAA helped BJP to gain power in 2012 by launching a movement against Congress.
“No one can dare stop the uprising of tribals by restricting the UTAA and GMGMSS. The Gawda-Kunbi-Velip communities will give a befitting reply to those who try to silence the voice of tribals. We will give a befitting reply to the government… if need… situation arises in the future, we will also politicise it,” he cautioned.
The former tribal welfare minister claimed that a “known force” is working from behind to undermine, or rather, destroy the tribals and their unity. “The community is united, and it will stay united in every situation. Some forces are trying to divide us, but that will never happen,” he said.
On July 3, the district registrar and inspector general of societies, South Goa, issued an interim order restraining Velip from serving as president, and others from functioning as executive members of the UTAA. They have also been prohibited from using the name or seal of the UTAA or holding meetings under its banner.
Six Scheduled Tribe organisations — Gakuved Federation, All Goa Scheduled Tribes Union, Tribal Welfare Organisation, Goud Jamat Mahasangh Goa, Taleigao Tribal Welfare, and Gomantak Goud Maratha Samaj — jointly filed a petition with the district registrar and inspector general of societies (South), challenging the legality of the current executive council of UTAA.
Gaude said that the new organisation is not for anyone’s personal recognition or benefit but to fight for the rights of our community and against the injustice meted out to our people.
Tawadkar distances himself from controversy
On the other hand, Minister and tribal leader Ramesh Tawadkar has distanced himself from the controversy. Tawadkar claims that differences in ideology forced him to withdraw his association with UTAA back in 2012, when for the very first time, he was inducted as a minister in the Manohar Parrikar cabinet.
“It won’t be fair on my part to comment on the UTAA issue as I am not part of that organisation,” he said.
