VISAKHAPATNAM: Normal life was disrupted in many parts of Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) and Parvathipuram Manyam districts in Andhra Pradesh as a two-day Manyam Bandh (Feb 11 and 12) called by the joint action committee (JAC) of various tribal organizations and opposition political parties, protesting against the AP assembly speaker Ch Ayyanna Patrudu’s suggestions to amend the 1/70 Act. The bandh received a strong response on its first day, Tuesday.
Leaders and activists of the JAC and opposition parties demanded an apology from Ayyanna Patrudu over his recent suggestions to amend the 1/70 Act. They also called for strict implementation of the Act and the booking of cases against violators.
Protesters claimed that some non-tribals had acquired resorts, hotels, and properties in tribal areas through tribal proxies. They warned that if the government amended the 1/70 Act, tribals would lose their land and their very existence.
The Land Transfer Regulation Act 1 of 1970, also known as the 1/70 Act, prevents the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals, protecting the interests of the tribal communities.
Ayyanna Patrudu had suggested an amendment to the Act, arguing that its current provisions, which require only tribals to invest in tribal areas, deterred potential investors. He believed that amending the law would attract investment in the tourism sector, bringing growth to areas like Araku and Lammasingi, which could benefit from a boost in tourist inflow.
The protestors blocked roads in Paderu, Araku Valley, Chintapalle, GK Veedhi, G Madugula, Parvathipuram, Kuneru, Pedabayalu, Munchingiputtu, Ananthagiri, and several other mandals in the two districts. Traders voluntarily closed their commercial establishments in support of the protest.
Public transport services were severely affected due to the bandh. Buses were rare sightings as protesters blocked key junctions, bus stations, and depots. Private operators also suspended services in solidarity with the protestors.
With public buses and private vehicles off the roads, employees faced difficulties reaching their workplaces, and the turnout of students in schools and colleges was notably low.
Tourism in the tribal regions came to a standstill due to the bandh. Tourist spots, including Borra Caves, Padmapuram Gardens, Chaparai, Araku Museum, waterfalls, and others, remained closed. Roads were mostly deserted on Tuesday, and a similar situation is expected to continue on Wednesday, Feb 12.
No untoward incidents were reported, as the protestors maintained a peaceful stance.
In response to the Manyam Bandh following Ayyanna Patrudu’s remarks, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, in a post on X on Tuesday, asserted that his government was committed to protecting tribal rights and had no intention of repealing the 1/70 Act.
“We strongly believe that preserving the existence of tribal communities means preserving Indian culture,” Naidu added. He also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve education, healthcare, and living standards for tribals.
