May 08, 2018: The shifting cultivators, known as Jhumiyas of Tripura are facing severe food crisis under BJP-IPFT Government. The previous Left Front Government ensured that financially poor Jhumiyas do not starve and suffer from hunger by providing rice at Rs 2 per kg, implementing NREGA and other social security schemes. However, the BJP-IPFT government after assuming Office in March, stalled all the social security measures pushing the Jhumiyas into dire situation. Speaking to media, CPIM MP Jitendra Choudhury alleged today in Agartala.
He said that he had visited Govindabari area in Chaumanu and observed crisis of food. There is no work for inhabitants and distribution through Ration shops is also irregular. Jhumiya people are venturing into forest in search of potato and vegetables. He said, even if they manage to collect some vegetables, they are forced to sell products at minimum price – due to excess supply – which is not sufficient to buy a square meal for the whole family. “Earlier, Jhumiyas were getting rice at Rs 2 per kg during Left rule, however, the facility is no longer available under BJP-led Government. This has lead to crisis for food among the poor tribal people”, he said.
Continuing his tirade against BJP-IPFT alliance, Choudhury said, BJP promised to raise wages and social pensions – however, so far there no initiative by the Government in this direction is still visible. He also alleged, clashes between BJP and IPFT over gaining control in hill areas have stalled developmental activities and affected the supply of food items for ration shops.
