Mumbai: Facing Eviction, Aarey Tribals Join Global Indigenous Communities To Mark International Day Of World's Indigenous Peoples

Mumbai: Mumbai's original communities joined groups across the world on Saturday in commemorating 'International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples'.

The United Nations General Assembly in 1994 declared August 9 as the day to raise awareness of the needs of these groups. Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life, and their right to traditional natural resources. According to the United Nations, they are among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. 

In Mumbai, the residents of Aarey's 27 tribal villages that predate the milk colony have been fighting for their rights under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition Of Forest Rights) Act. The villagers are currently challenging eviction notices from the forest department.

As part of their protests, residents of Aarey's tribal villages gathered on Saturday for a day of celebration and advocacy. The tribals organised a march through the forest. Residents of the nearby housing colonies joined the tribals in the traditional adivasi tarpa music, and dancing. They also took part in vrikshabandhan, tying colourful rakhis around tree trunks and taking a pledge to protect the trees of Aarey forest. There was also a tree plantation programme.

East Indians, the Roman Catholic residents of Mumbai's villages, announced that the Sunday after the 'International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples' will be observed as 'Bhumiputra Diwas' The Mobai Gaothan Panchayat has asked the church and government to recognise and support their culture and traditions. The group reiterated their demand for the demarcation of agripadas, koliwadas and gaothans for the protection of their historical and architectural heritage, and to distinguish the areas from slums.