Malkanagri: Acting upon a report published in OrissaPOST Saturday, the district administration reached to the villagers of Gorakhunta panchayat and purchased kendu leaves from them Sunday.
The irate tribal kendu leaf collectors had threatened of blocking the Motu national highway if their demands were not met. Mollified by the administration’s decision, the daily’s correspondent informed, that many villagers have thus withdrawn from their planned protest.
It may be mentioned here that OrissaPOST had published a report titled ‘Non-lifting of kendu leaves riles tribals’ in its April 21 edition this year.
Taking a note of the report, Malkangiri forest ranger Sunand Pattnaik held discussion with sarpanch Padiami and other villagers. Sources said Pattnaik assured them to open a kendu collection centre in the village.
Sunday, a kendu leaf collection centre at Krusuwada village of the panchayat was opened and villagers made a serpentine queue outside it. More than hundred women have sold their leaves here, sources added.
Villagers from 11 villages namely Gorakhunta, Krushubada, Kamaliguda, Ponarguda, MV 20, MV 21, MV 2, Mutumaguda, Singaniguda, Bangaruguda and Sibaniguda in Gorakhunta panchayat were unable to sell their kendu produce.
Kendu leaf collection centres were opened at MV 18 and MV 17 villages where villagers of Gorakhunta panchayat used to sell their leaves but the failure of the administration to open centres this time had created tension among villagers.
PNN